Provides advanced health care services to patients under the direction and responsibility of a physician. Works collaboratively with members of the health care team to establish protocols, supervises treatment plans, and monitors quality of the clinical practice. Practices with the highest degree of independence allowed by their license, population foci and scope of practice.
This classification is intended for use at the advanced level.
Initiates, continues and discontinues, and/or modifies the stated measures based on ongoing assessment, diagnosis, plan, intervention, and evaluation of patient status in accordance with scope of practice under the general supervision of an attending physician. Obtains medical histories and performs physical examinations on new and established consults in the outpatient clinical, inpatient, and/or emergency room. Conducts health assessment of patient and families with acute and/or chronic health problems – includes physical, cognitive, psychological, and personal assets and limitations. Provides direction for in-hospital care via daily rounds, if applicable. Records subjective and objective data, assessment, and plan of care in progress notes. Develops a sound diagnosis/differential for care and individualizes the diagnostic workup interpreting diagnostic tests, lab results, and consultations. Collaborates with physicians, other providers, and other health care professionals to provide optimal patient care. Provides patient and family support and education. Develops individualized treatment plans with appropriate discharge and follow-up care for inpatient and outpatient populations. Performs highly skilled and technical procedures as credentialed and privileged. Prescribes, alters, and/or discontinues medications in accordance with standard of care. Seeks and assumes responsibility for professional development of self and staff. Works with Community Outreach programs in providing health education. Complies with policies, procedures, and in accordance with regulatory body expectations. Remains current with literature as demonstrated by presentation(s) to staff and incorporating new knowledge into clinical practice.
Knowledge of the medical, biological, and physical sciences related to the areas of medicine. Knowledge of the principles, ethics, and human relationships in the field of medicine. Knowledge of administrative practices and procedures, rules and regulations, and standards in rendering medical care. Ability to write and interpret professional, technical, and administrative reports and papers. Ability to supervise professional and non-professional employees in the care and treatment of the physically ill. Knowledge and skills required to provide care and/or service appropriate to the age, level of development, and literacy level of the patient with consideration of the family.
Licensed in the state of South Carolina and certified as a Physician Assistant by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Current Basic Life Support (BLS) required, either a certification from an American Heart Association (AHA) BLS for Healthcare Providers (or AHA recognized equivalent) or an American Red Cross CPR/AED for Professional Rescuer and Healthcare Provider. Prescriptive authority requires possession of a permanent PA SC License and Approved Prescriptive privileges.
Graduation from an approved Physician Assistant program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) or its predecessor or successor organization.