What are the rules pertaining to a California Physician’s Practice Agreement?

The rules pertaining to the Practice Agreement that went into effect on January 1, 2020, can be found in the Physician’s Assistant Practice Act.

A practice agreement must include provisions that address the following:

(A) The types of medical services a physician assistant is authorized to perform.

(B) Policies and procedures to ensure adequate supervision of the physician assistant, including, but not limited to, appropriate communication, availability, consultations, and referrals between a physician and surgeon and the physician assistant in providing medical services.

(C) The methods for the continuing evaluation of the competency and qualifications of the physician assistant.

(D) The furnishing or ordering of drugs or devices by a physician assistant.

(E) Any additional provisions agreed to by the physician assistant, physician and\or surgeon.

Does the Practice Agreement need to be in writing?

Yes. Both of the following must sign a practice agreement:

(A) The physician assistant.

(B) One or more physicians and surgeons or a physician and surgeon who is authorized to approve the practice agreement on behalf of the staff of the physicians and surgeons on the staff of an organized health care system.

Who would draft the Practice Agreement?

The Practice Agreement is best drafted by the supervising physician in collaboration with the physician’s assistant to describe the nature and scope of their professional relationship.

Can a delegation of services agreement in effect before January 1, 2020, be deemed to meet the requirements of this subdivision?

The Practice Agreement was formerly referred to as a Delegation of Services Agreement.

Yes, a Delegation of Services Agreement in effect before January 1, 2020, is deemed to meet the requirements of the new rules.

Can a Practice Agreement designate a PA as an agent of a supervising physician and surgeon?

Yes, a practice agreement may designate a PA as an agent of a supervising physician and surgeon.

Must the Physician’s Assistant Board approve your Practice Agreement?

Nothing in the Physician Assistant Practice Act requires the board’s approval of a practice agreement.

What services may a Physician’s Assistant perform as part of the Practice Agreement?

In addition to any other practices that meet the general criteria set forth in the Physician’s Assistant Practice Act or regulations adopted by the board or the Medical Board of California, a practice agreement may authorize a PA to do any of the following:

(1) Order durable medical equipment, subject to certain limitations set forth in Section 3502 in the Physician’s Assistant Practice Act or the practice agreement.

(2) For individuals receiving home health services or personal care services, after consultation with a supervising physician and surgeon, approve, sign, modify, or add to a plan of treatment or plan of care.

(3) After the performance of a physical examination by the PA under the supervision of a physician and surgeon, certify disability pursuant to the Unemployment Insurance Code.

Do the rules Practice Agreement Rules that went into effect prior to January 1, 2020, affect the validity of any practice agreements signed and used prior to that date?

The rules do not affect the validity of any practice agreement in effect prior to January 1, 2020.

Source: BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE – BPC 3502.3