Physician Assistants require a direct continuing and close supervisory relationship between the Physician Assistant and the physician to whom that assistant is certified. The supervising physician is responsible for activities of the Physician Assistant. Physician Assistants provide medical services, within the education, training, and experience of the Physician Assistant, that are delegated by the supervising physician. As part of their comprehensive responsibilities, PAs conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventive health care, assist in surgery, and in most states can write prescriptions. PAs are trained in intensive education programs accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

For the American Academy of Pediatrics policy regarding the Scope of Practice of Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners in Pediatrics please see:
http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;111/2/426

For the American Academy of Pediatrics Policy Statement on the role of Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners in the care of hospitalized children please see:
http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;103/5/1050

For information from the American Academy of Physician Assistants regarding Physician Assistants practicing in pediatrics please see:
http://www.aapa.org/gandp/issuebrief/pediatrics.pdf

American Academy of Physician Assistants2007 Census report for Physician Assistants practicing in pediatrics:
http://www.aapa.org/research/SpecialtyReports08/Pediatrics08C.pdf