Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee Title 1130 - Board of Physician Assistants
Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee Title 1130 - Board of Physician Assistants
Title 1130 of the Tennessee Administrative Code establishes the rules and regulations governing the Tennessee Board of Physician Assistants (PA Board), which is responsible for the licensure, regulation, and oversight of Physician Assistants (PAs) in Tennessee. This board ensures that PAs meet the necessary standards of education, training, and professional conduct to provide safe and effective healthcare services.
1. Overview of the Tennessee Board of Physician Assistants
The Tennessee Board of Physician Assistants was created to regulate the practice of physician assistants in the state. The board is tasked with safeguarding public health and welfare by ensuring that PAs are qualified, licensed, and continue to meet professional standards throughout their careers. The regulations set forth in Title 1130 aim to maintain high standards for PA practice, continuing education, and ethical behavior.
2. Structure of Title 1130
Title 1130 is divided into various sections that address the qualifications, licensure process, ethical standards, and disciplinary actions for PAs. Below is an overview of the major sections found in Title 1130:
A. Licensing and Qualifications (Rule 1130-01)
The regulations set forth the requirements for obtaining and maintaining licensure as a Physician Assistant in Tennessee. Key elements include:
Educational Requirements: The applicant must graduate from an accredited physician assistant program. These programs are typically accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).
National Certification: In addition to completing an accredited educational program, applicants must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
Application Process: Applicants for licensure must submit a completed application to the Board, which includes verifying their education, certification, and any professional history, such as prior disciplinary actions or criminal convictions.
Background Checks: Applicants must undergo a criminal background check to ensure they do not have any disqualifying criminal offenses.
Supervision Requirements: PAs in Tennessee must practice under the supervision of a licensed physician. The supervising physician is responsible for the PA’s actions and must be approved by the Board.
B. Scope of Practice (Rule 1130-02)
The scope of practice for physician assistants in Tennessee is defined by several key principles:
Delegation of Authority: PAs can perform medical tasks as delegated by their supervising physician. The tasks performed must fall within the PA’s scope of practice, which is determined by their education, training, and experience.
Collaborative Agreements: PAs must have a Supervisory Agreement or a Practice Agreement with a licensed physician. These agreements specify the tasks the PA can perform, the level of supervision required, and any limitations on the PA’s practice.
Practice Settings: Physician Assistants in Tennessee can work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, private practices, and other medical facilities.
C. Continuing Education and Professional Development (Rule 1130-03)
To maintain their license, Physician Assistants in Tennessee are required to engage in ongoing professional development. This includes:
Continuing Medical Education (CME): PAs must complete a certain number of CME hours each year to maintain their certification. The CME must be relevant to their area of practice and approved by the board.
Recertification: PAs must recertify every ten years by taking the PANCE or another board-approved recertification exam. The board also mandates that PAs stay up-to-date with new medical knowledge and techniques through continuous education.
Practice Review: The Board may require periodic reviews of a PA’s practice to ensure ongoing competency and to address any issues related to quality of care.
D. Ethical Standards and Professional Conduct (Rule 1130-04)
PAs in Tennessee are required to adhere to a code of ethics that governs their professional behavior. This includes:
Professional Behavior: PAs must behave professionally at all times, demonstrating integrity, honesty, and respect for patients and colleagues. Violations of ethical conduct may result in disciplinary action.
Patient Care: PAs must provide care that is in the best interest of the patient, ensuring confidentiality, informed consent, and appropriate treatment.
Conflict of Interest: PAs must avoid situations that could present a conflict of interest, including financial relationships with patients or other healthcare providers that could compromise their clinical judgment.
Substance Abuse: PAs must refrain from practicing while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or any other substances that would impair their ability to deliver care safely.
E. Disciplinary Actions and Enforcement (Rule 1130-05)
The Board has the authority to take disciplinary actions against PAs who violate the regulations or engage in unprofessional conduct. Disciplinary actions include:
Suspension or Revocation of License: If a PA is found guilty of serious violations (e.g., malpractice, fraud, substance abuse), their license may be suspended or revoked.
Probation: PAs may be placed on probation, which may include additional supervision, further education, or restrictions on their practice.
Fines: The Board may impose monetary fines as penalties for violations of rules or ethical guidelines.
Reprimand or Censure: PAs may receive a formal reprimand or censure for less serious violations.
Investigation: Complaints against PAs are investigated by the Board, which may involve interviews, gathering evidence, and reviewing medical records.
Appeals Process: PAs have the right to appeal any disciplinary actions taken by the Board, and these appeals are reviewed according to the procedures established by the Board.
F. Supervision and Delegation (Rule 1130-06)
Physician Assistants in Tennessee must work under the supervision of a licensed physician. The Supervisory Agreement defines the relationship between the PA and their supervising physician. The following aspects are included:
Delegated Duties: The supervising physician delegates specific tasks to the PA, which can range from taking medical histories to performing minor surgeries, depending on the PA's qualifications.
Supervision Guidelines: While PAs can perform many tasks independently, they are still required to operate under the supervision of a licensed physician, and the physician must be available for consultation when needed.
Supervisory Agreements: Supervising physicians and PAs are required to file a Supervisory Agreement with the Board, which outlines the scope of practice, duties, and level of supervision required.
Chart Review and Oversight: The supervising physician must review a certain percentage of the PA’s patient charts to ensure the quality and appropriateness of care.
3. Enforcement and Compliance
The Tennessee Board of Physician Assistants is tasked with enforcing the rules and regulations governing the practice of physician assistants in Tennessee. This includes:
Investigating Complaints: The Board investigates complaints filed against PAs to ensure compliance with the law and ethical guidelines.
Enforcing Standards: If a PA is found to be non-compliant with the regulations, the Board has the authority to take corrective actions, such as issuing fines, suspending the PA’s license, or requiring additional training.
Collaboration with Other Agencies: The Board works in collaboration with other state agencies, such as the Tennessee Department of Health and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, when necessary, to ensure that PAs meet all legal and professional standards.
Conclusion
Title 1130 of the Tennessee Administrative Code, which governs the Tennessee Board of Physician Assistants, outlines the qualifications, responsibilities, ethical conduct, continuing education requirements, and disciplinary processes for PAs in the state. The regulations ensure that PAs provide high-quality care while maintaining the safety and wellbeing of patients.
These rules cover all aspects of a PA's career, from licensure to supervision, continuing education, and professional behavior, with the goal of upholding the standards of the profession and protecting the public. The Board plays a critical role in regulating and overseeing the practice of physician assistants in Tennessee, ensuring that they are qualified, ethical, and compliant with state laws.
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