64B15-6.001. Definitions

(1) The term “Primary Supervising Physician” as herein used refers to a physician licensed pursuant to Chapters 458 and 459, F.S., who assumes responsibility and legal liability for the services rendered by the physician assistant(s) at all times the physician assistant is not under the supervision and control of an alternate supervising physician.

(2) The term “Alternate Supervising Physician” as herein used refers to the physician licensed pursuant to Chapter 458 or 459, F.S., who assumes responsibility and legal liability for the services rendered by the physician assistant while the physician assistant is under his or her supervision and control.

(3) The term “responsible supervision” as used herein refers to the ability of the supervising physician to responsibly exercise control and provide direction over the services of the physician assistant. In providing supervision, the supervising physician shall periodically review the physician assistant’s performance. It requires the easy availability or physical presence of the supervising physician to the physician assistant. In determining whether supervision is adequate, the following factors should be considered:

(a) The complexity of the task;

(b) The risk to the patient;

(c) The background, training and skill of the physician assistant;

(d) The adequacy of the direction in terms of its form;

(e) The setting in which the tasks are performed;

(f) The availability of the supervising physician;

(g) The necessity for immediate attention; and

(h) The number of other persons that the supervising physician must supervise.

(4) The term “direct supervision” as used herein refers to the physical presence of the supervising physician on the premises so that the supervising physician is immediately available to the physician assistant when needed.

(5) The term “indirect supervision” as used herein refers to the easy availability of the supervising physician to the physician assistant, which includes the ability to communicate by telecommunications. The supervising physician must be within reasonable physical proximity.

(6) The term “recent graduate” as used herein refers to a person who completed the approved program no more than two years (24 months) prior to the date the application for licensure as a physician assistant was received.

(7) The term “fully licensed physician assistant” as used herein refers to those physician assistants who have successfully passed the NCCPA examination or other examination approved by the Board and have been issued a license other than a temporary license authorized under Sections 459.022(7), 458.347(7)(b)2. and 458.347(7)(f), F.S.

Specific Authority 459.005 FS. Law Implemented 459.022 FS. History–New 10-18-77, Formerly 21R-6.01, Amended 10-28-87, 4-18-89, 9-26-90, 3-16-92, Formerly 21R-6.001, Amended 2-20-94, Formerly 61F9-6.001, 59W-6.001, Amended 6-7-98, 3-17-99, 7-13-03.