PA Scope of Practice Series: New York

Physician assistant (PA) scope of practice laws vary throughout the United States. Some have full, reduced, or restricted practice authority. Locum tenens PAs should pay attention to this series, where we outline physician assistant scope of practice by state.Here we are looking at the New York physician assistant scope of practice. If you are looking for employment with Barton Associates, check out our PA jobs in New York.

Key Takeaways

PAs in New York are generally able to practice independently. The state dictates the majority of the scope requirements but the facilities also have discretion. There are few limitations for PAs in New York.

The number of PAs allowed to practice at once and collaboration requirements are the only significant restrictions. But it should be noted that New York does not allow a PA to open their own practice. The state of New York is a desirable travel destination, especially for locum tenens physician assistants.

The AAPA highlights six key elements for PA practice in New York. Also in this article, you will find information about Optimal Team Practice (OTP).

Can physician assistants practice independently in New York?

No, PAs in New York cannot practice independently. They require a collaboration agreement with a physician to practice. This also indicates that it’s not allowed for physician assistants to open their own practice in New York. But it ensure the licensure and authorization of all members of the medical team.

New York licensed physicians may practice with up to four PAs at one time in a private practice. They can have no more than six in a hospital setting.

• This limits the number of PAs that can work in one facility. But it ensures physicians can allocate suitable time durations for each PA under their management.
• During the COVID-19 pandemic, Executive Order 202.43 temporarily allowed PAs to work independently, without the supervision of a physician.

Medical Staff Membership: Full

Section 405.4 of the New York State Hospital Code, appoints PAs as members of the medical staff. It considers licensed and currently registered health care practitioners, recognized by the state.

Autonomous Practice: Reduced

In New York, PAs have a collaborative relationship with their supervising physicians. Despite this they still have a large degree of authority and range for their practice.

Primary Care Provider: Full

New York state law does recognize PAs as primary care providers. Recent budget proposals from Gov. Kathy Hochul could eliminate the supervision requirements for certain PAs. This is specifically for non-surgical specialties including primary care medicine.

Physician Assistant Salary: $138,410

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the annual mean wage for physician assistants was $138,410 as of May 2023.

Independently Prescribe Schedule II Drugs: Full

While under the supervision of a physician, physician assistants can prescribe medication in New York. A PA may prescribe schedule II-V controlled medications as well as all non-controlled medication.

• Examples of Schedule II-V controlled substances include oxycodone, fentanyl, and hydromorphone.

Order Physical Therapy: Full

Section 6542 of the New York Education Law allows PAs to perform medical services of all types. This includes physical therapy orders.

Sign Death Certificates: Full

PAs are authorized to sign death certificates in New York. The state senate amended Senate Bill S5001 to authorize physician assistants to sign death certificates. They still must be under the supervision of a physician however.

POLST/POST/MOLST/MOST/COLST: Full

PAs may sign POLST forms in New York under the supervision of a physician.

• POLST, or Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment, is a medical form that travels with the patient. They are for communicating your wishes as medical orders.

Optimal Team Practice (OTP)

All information below regarding OTP was collected from the AAPA.

What is Optimal Team Practice?

According to the AAPA, “Optimal Team Practice occurs when PAs, physicians, and other healthcare professionals work together to provide quality care without burdensome administrative constraints.”

• OTP eliminates the legally required supervision relationship between healthcare providers. But New York has not fully adopted any OTP measures for PAs.

What does Optimal Team Practice mean for the patient?

PA employers (health systems, hospitals, and group practices) can be more flexible in determining healthcare teams.

• Allows healthcare teams to more effectively and efficiently meet patient needs.
• PAs can see patients when physicians are unavailable. Especially in medically underserved communities where there are not enough physicians on staff.
• When disaster strikes, medical volunteers are vital resource to relief efforts. OTP allows PAs to provide volunteer medical services during a disaster or emergency.

What does Optimal Team Practice mean for physician assistants?

Allows PAs to practice more independently by not requiring physicians to have a specific relationship with PAs.

• Healthcare teams are determined on a case-by-case basis at the practice level. Providing the opportunity for physicians to have different PAs on different cases.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally written by Chris Keeley in March 2020. It was updated by Desirae Sin in June 2024 to reflect current information.

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