Does a physician have to be onsite to supervise a PA?

• A. Yes
• B. No, but continuous supervision is required
• C. Only in hospital settings
• D. Only for certain procedures

Answer: (B)

Physician supervision is required, but it doesn’t have to be onsite. A PA can practice under continuous supervision, meaning the physician is readily available to direct care, review orders, and intervene as needed, even if not physically in the same room. This ongoing oversight is typically defined in a supervision agreement or protocols that set the PA’s scope of practice and how the physician provides oversight—often through chart review, consultation, and remote communication methods. This balance allows the PA to see patients with a degree of autonomy while the physician remains responsible for the overall care. Remember, some procedures or settings may still require on-site direct supervision by law or policy, so state and institutional rules can modify the exact requirements.