From an ethical perspective, which statement best describes the scope of practice for a physician assistant (PA) relative to the supervising physician?

• A. PA can practice independently nationwide.
• B. PAs must practice under supervision of a physician in all circumstances.
• C. PAs can prescribe any medication without oversight.
• D. PA can only do what supervising physician can do. Varies by state.

Answer: (D)

The main idea is that a PA’s practice is defined by delegated authority from the supervising physician and by state law. Ethically, a PA provides care only within what the supervising physician can authorize and within the PA’s training, with specifics shaped by each state’s regulations. This means practice is not nationwide or universally independent, and prescribing or performing procedures isn’t unlimited—it’s limited by the supervising physician’s scope and state rules. That’s why the best description is that a PA can only do what the supervising physician can do, with details that vary by state.