Page 39 - APP Collaboration - Assessing the Risk (Part One)

SVMIC Advanced Practice Provider Collaboration: Assessing the Risk

“has the duty of assuring that there is proper supervision

and control of the physician assistant” and that the physician
.
assistant’s actions are “appropriate”
28

There was no evidence of “active and continuous” supervision

as required by state law in prescribing sedating medications
such as Demerol, in that no “written protocol” existed

whatsoever, and no chart review occurred as is required.
Therefore, the court concluded that no guidance or oversight

existed in assisting the PA in the choice of prescribing Demerol
for Ms. Connor, who had a documented history of seizures, and

also simultaneously in writing a prescription for Stadol. This
resulted in substandard management and care being provided

to the patient.

Additionally, the state board disciplined the physician for

failing to properly supervise physician assistants and nurse
practitioners with respect to protocols and chart reviews in

violation of board rules. The physician’s license was placed on
probation for five years and the physician was assessed $9,000

in civil penalties plus costs.

The Connor case serves as an example of how failure to comply
with the rules and regulations governing the supervision of

or collaboration with APPs can lead to a host of protracted
legal entanglements, disciplinary action, and potential medical

professional liability.

28 Id.

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