How is continuous supervision defined for NY PAs?

• A. The physician must be onsite at all times
• B. The physician must be continuously available to supervise, but need not be onsite
• C. Supervision is not required after initial training
• D. A PA can supervise a physician

Answer: (B)

Continuous supervision in New York means the supervising physician must be continuously available to supervise and assist the PA in patient care, but does not have to be on-site. In practice, this allows the PA to see patients with oversight that is readily reachable—by phone, secure messaging, or other means—so the physician can review decisions, provide guidance, and intervene if needed. The important point is availability, not being physically present in the same room at all times. This differs from requiring the physician to be onsite; it also aligns with the physician’s ultimate responsibility for supervising the PA’s medical decisions, rather than the PA supervising the physician.