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

• A. Yes, onsite at all times
• B. No, just contactable
• C. Only in hospital settings
• D. Supervision is not required

Answer: (B)

Supervision in practice is about access and guidance, not always being in the same room. The physician must be available to provide direction and review or approve the PA’s decisions, but many state laws and workplace policies allow that supervision be remote as long as the physician is contactable for consultation. Being able to reach the supervising physician by phone, email, or telemedicine is often sufficient, with the physician retaining ultimate responsibility for medical decisions. Some settings or high-risk procedures may require on-site presence, but that’s not universal. The key idea is that the supervising physician needs to be accessible, not necessarily onsite at all times. Always check your state’s rules and your institution’s policies for specifics.