Do medical orders require countersignature by the physician in NY?

• A. Always
• B. Only for long-term orders
• C. Never
• D. Only if required by supervising physician or hospital

Answer: (D)

In New York, orders written by physician assistants are issued under the supervision of a physician, and a countersignature is not automatic. Whether a physician must countersign those orders depends on the supervising physician and the hospital’s policies. Some supervisors or facilities require countersignatures on all orders for accountability and safety, others require them only for high‑risk or specific types of orders, and some may not require them at all if delegated authority is clearly defined. The key idea is that the need for a countersignature is determined by the supervising physician or hospital policy, not by a universal rule.