Does the supervising physician's name have to be printed on PA prescriptions in New York?

• A. Yes, always; countersignature not required unless the employing institution requires it
• B. No
• C. Yes, and countersignature always required
• D. Only for controlled substances

Answer: (A)

In New York, physician assistants prescribe under the supervision of a physician, so prescriptions written by a PA should clearly identify the supervising physician. Printing the supervising physician’s name on the PA’s prescription helps establish accountability and shows that the order is given within the approved supervision relationship. A countersignature by the supervising physician is not required by law in every case; it’s determined by the employing institution’s policy. So the standard is that the supervising physician’s name appears on the PA’s prescriptions, while countersignature is only needed if the practice setting requires it.