How many PAs can a physician supervise in corrections and community supervision facilities?

• A. Four PAs
• B. Six PAs
• C. Eight PAs
• D. Twelve PAs

Answer: (C)

In corrections and community supervision facilities, the supervisor-to-PA ratio is set to balance access to care with appropriate physician oversight. The supervising physician can oversee eight PAs in this setting, which allows more patients to be seen while still ensuring chart review, case consultation, and on-call decisions are readily available. This cap reflects the realities of secure facilities where access is critical and the physician may need to supervise multiple PAs across shifts or locations.

Choosing eight over fewer, like four or six, increases patient access without abandoning oversight, while choosing twelve would exceed the typical regulatory limit and potentially compromise supervision. Thus, eight PAs under one physician provides the practical balance intended for corrections and community supervision environments.