W. Va. Code R. § 24-2-9

Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 44, November 1, 2024

Section 24-2-9 - Physician Assistant's Scope of Practice

9.1. A physician assistant shall have, as a minimum, the knowledge and competency to perform the following core duties with appropriate physician collaboration:

9.1.1. Screen patients to determine the need for medical attention;

9.1.2. Review patient records to determine health status;

9.1.3. Take a patient history;

9.1.4. Perform a physical examination;

9.1.5. Perform development screening examinations on children;

9.1.6. Record pertinent patient data;

9.1.7. Make decisions regarding data gathering and appropriate management and treatment of patients being seen for the initial evaluation of a problem or the follow-up evaluation of a previously diagnosed and stabilized condition;

9.1.8. Prepare patient summaries;

9.1.9. Initiate requests for commonly performed initial laboratory studies;

9.1.10. Collect specimens for and carry out commonly performed blood, urine and stool analyses and cultures;

9.1.11. Identify normal and abnormal findings in patient history and physical examination and in commonly performed laboratory studies;

9.1.12. Initiate appropriate evaluation and emergency management for emergency situations; for example, cardiac arrest, respiratory distress, injuries, burns and hemorrhage;

9.1.13. Provide counseling and instruction regarding common patient problems and/or questions;

9.1.14. Execute documents at the direction of and for the collaborating physician;

9.1.15. Perform clinical procedures such as, but not limited to:

9.1.15.a. Venipuncture;

9.1.15.b. Electrocardiogram;

9.1.15.c. Care and suturing of minor lacerations, which may include injection of local anesthesia;

9.1.15.d. Casting and splinting;

9.1.15.e. Control of external hemorrhage;

9.1.15.f. Application of dressings and bandages;

9.1.15.g. Removal of superficial foreign bodies;

9.1.15.h. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation;

9.1.15.i. Audiometry screening;

9.1.15.j. Visual screening; and

9.1.15.k. Carry out aseptic and isolation techniques;

9.1.16. Assist in surgery;

9.1.17. Prepare patient discharge summaries if physician assistant has been directly involved in patient care; and

9.1.18. Assist physician under personal collaboration in a manner by which to learn and become proficient in new procedures.

9.2. In addition to core duties, a physician assistant may perform medical acts commensurate with his or her education, training, and experience, which the physician assistant is competent to perform, and consistent with the rules of the Board. The physician assistant may only perform medical acts consistent with sound medical practice and that will protect the health and safety of the patient.

9.3. A physician assistant may pronounce death provided that:

9.3.1. The physician assistant is in compliance with subsection 9.2 of this rule;

9.3.2. The physician assistant has a need to do so within his or her scope of practice; and

9.3.3. That the pronouncement is in accordance with applicable West Virginia law and rules.

9.4. A physician assistant may augment the physician's data gathering abilities to assist the collaborating physician in reaching decisions and instituting care plans for the physician's patients.

9.5. A physician assistant may provide an authorized signature, certification, stamp, verification, affidavit or endorsement on documents within the scope of his or her practice including, but not limited to the following:

9.5.1. Unless prohibited by the place of practice, a physician assistant may sign orders within the scope of his or her practice, including discharge orders for patients personally treated by the physician assistant;

9.5.2. Medical certifications for death certificates if the physician assistant has received training on the completion thereof;

9.5.3. Instruments related to scope and limitation of treatment, including:

9.5.3.a. Physician orders for life sustaining treatment;

9.5.3.b. Physician orders for scope of treatment; and

9.5.3.c. Do not resuscitate forms.

9.5.4. Disability medical evaluations and/or certifications for persons with disabilities in support of a hunting or fishing permit; and

9.5.5. Utility company forms or certifications requiring maintenance of utilities regardless of ability to pay.

9.5.6. Governmental forms as permitted by law including, but not limited to parking applications for mobility impaired persons; and

9.5.7. Durable medical equipment.

9.6. A physician assistant may prescribe, order, administer or dispense medications in accordance with the provisions of W. Va. Code § 30-3E-3(c) and this rule.

W. Va. Code R. § 24-2-9