TENTATIVE

Occ. Code 5226400

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT, GRADE 23

New York State Department of Civil Service

Classification Standard

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF CLASS

A Physician Assistant (PA) is a licensed health care professional who provides a wide range of medical care to individuals*. under the supervision of licensed physicians in accordance with Article 131-B of the Education Law.

Positions in this class may be assigned to hospitals, clinics, infirmaries, correctional facilities, and other medical care units located within various State institutions and facilities. 

^*Individual refers to the person who is being treated or cared for, and is used in place of patient, client, or other nomenclature specific to an agency.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT: full performance level; requires NYS registration to practice as a Physician Assistant.  Activities are performed under the supervision of licensed physicians who evaluate quality and completeness of medical care provided and approve conclusions and treatment recommendations. 

RELATED CLASSES

Nurse Practitioners are registered professional nurses who have earned a separate license as a Nurse Practitioner through advanced clinical nursing education in a distinct specialty area of practice.  Nurse practitioners may diagnose, treat, and prescribe for a patients condition that falls within their specialty area of practice.  Positions in this class work independently under their own license in collaboration with a physician and retain responsibility for professional tasks performed under their scope of practice.

Clinical Physicians are New York licensed physicians who have completed a program of medical education and received the doctor of medicine (M.D.) or equivalent degree.  They provide general medical care and treatment for individuals of State institutions and facilities.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

Under the supervision of a physician, a Physician Assistant:

Develops a health profile by taking health and development history, performing physical examination, analyzing clinical laboratory data, and other diagnostic tests.

• Reviews presenting problem, date of onset, and duration.

·        Obtains, clarifies, and records the medical history of an individual and obtains medical information from other treatment providers.

• Determines the extent of previous treatment modalities for each difficulty or disability identified.
• Performs complete physical examinations that may include vital signs, blood pressure, hydration status, otoscopic examination, retinal inspection, skin status, neurological testing, and review of the various body systems.  
• Evaluates individuals ability to perform self-care activities.
• Performs or orders laboratory tests, x-rays, and other medical diagnostic procedures.

Assesses data, discriminating between normal and abnormal findings.

• Determines if results of laboratory tests are within normal limits.
• Identifies abnormalities that require further study.
• Formulates initial diagnosis and treatment plans.
• When necessary, refers cases to a physician, noting the abnormalities, making recommendations for additional diagnostic procedures, possible diagnosis, and treatment recommendations.

Develops or assists in the development of a health plan for primary, acute, or long-term care.

• Initiates first line medical care plan within defined protocols, including minor surgery, prescribing medication, and diagnostic and corrective procedures.
• Refers individuals to other treatment providers based on diagnostic and treatment needs.
• Collaborates with other health disciplines to ensure continuity of care.
• May assist physicians and medical staff in caring for individuals.

Initiates and provides emergency care services, as appropriate, in life threatening situations.

Coordinates disease prevention and health maintenance programs using available resources.

• May coordinate the communicable disease control program for a facility, including immunizations, TB testing, epidemiologic follow-up, and takes appropriate actions such as making a referral or prescribing treatment in accordance with protocols set by supervising physician.
• Engages in frequent oral communication with physicians, individuals, employees, caregivers, and other staff to elicit and clarify information, answer questions, explain health conditions and treatments, and provide advice.  Ensures that all information is well-understood.
• Counsels and instructs individuals, caregivers, and employees about any conditions and health issues, such as the effects of nutrition, exercise, drug and alcohol use, and the general well-being, health, treatment, and medical condition of individuals.

Evaluates the health plan for effectiveness, and institutes necessary adjustments or corrections.

• Assumes primary healthcare responsibilities for assigned individuals and monitors the coordination and implementation of such care.
• Develops and adjusts treatment plan and makes modifications in medically prescribed regimen, in consultation with the supervising physician as necessary.
• Participates in interdisciplinary assessment and care planning for the provision of required services to individuals.

Maintains records on all individuals and employees examined or treated.

• Prepares and completes records, forms, and reports, including paperwork necessary to comply with State and federal regulatory agencies.
• Prepares discharge summaries and reviews records to ensure they are complete; may organize and forward records.

Conducts routine physical examinations for individuals and employees.

May conduct immunization and health screening clinics.

May demonstrate procedures and the use of special equipment to individuals, caregivers, other treatment staff, and students.

May develop and conduct group courses on health care for employees, individuals, families, and caregivers.

May supervise and train other treatment staff and assist in training students.

May participate in select studies that contribute to health care.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Open-Competitive: must be licensed and currently registered as a Physician Assistant by the New York State Education Department.

Revised:  8/17

NOTE:  Classification Standards illustrate the nature, extent, and scope of duties and responsibilities of the classes they describe.  Standards cannot and do not include all of the work that might be appropriately performed by a class.  The minimum qualifications above are those which were required for appointment at the time the Classification Standard was written.  Please contact the Division of Staffing Services for current information on minimum qualification requirements for appointment or examination.