Page 26 - Part 1 Collaborating with Advanced Practice Providers - An Overview of State Rules

SVMIC Collaborating with Advanced Practice Providers

PA’s actions. It retained the current law that makes clear the PA
functions under the control and responsibility of the physician.
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Virginia

It is worthy to note that Virginia considers APNs members of a

patient care team that must include at least one patient care team

physician. Unlike with the supervision of PAs, it is not quite as clear

whether supervising physicians may be held liable for the actions

of the APNs they supervise. Under Virginia law, “[s]ervice on a

patient care team by a patient care team member shall not, by the
existence of such service alone, establish or create liability for the

actions or inactions of other team members.”
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Scope of Practice

APPs have a scope of practice defined in the state practice act, but

generally may provide medical services that are delegated by the

supervising physician within the APP’s education, training and

experience. Typical services include, but are not limited to:

 Obtaining patient histories and performing physical

examinations

 Ordering and/or performing diagnostic and therapeutic

procedures

 Formulating a working diagnosis

 Developing and implementing a treatment plan

18 Public Chapter 189
19 Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-2957(B).

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