Hey guys I have a good question to ask. Can podiatrist utilize a PA in his/her practice? I think from an economical standpoint and patient catre it would be a great asset to the the profession. Thanks.

Oncogene

I don't see why you couldn't.

I'm not aware of any state that allows DPMs to supervise PAs.
I suppose a podiatrist could utilize a PA IF IF IF the official physician of record was an MD/DO. That's the law...must be an MD or DO to supervise a PA.
Lisa PA-C

I'm not aware of any state that allows DPMs to supervise PAs.
I suppose a podiatrist could utilize a PA IF IF IF the official physician of record was an MD/DO. That's the law...must be an MD or DO to supervise a PA.
Lisa PA-C



I dont see why not
DPM's are licensed physicians even have DEA #'s, so why not if PA's want to practice podiatry

Because the state PA practice laws specifically state "ONLY AN MD OR A DO MAY SUPERVISE A PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT".
This may not be the case for every state, but it definitely is for Oregon (I'm most familiar with our practice law since I live and work in Oregon) and I believe the majority of states.
If a PA wants to work with a podiatrist, both should thoroughly read the law and understand whether they can have a supervisory relationship. And if the BME rejects the application, it's probably because a DPM can't supervise.
That's the law.
L.

I dont see why not
DPM's are licensed physicians even have DEA #'s, so why not if PA's want to practice podiatry

Because the state PA practice laws specifically state "ONLY AN MD OR A DO MAY SUPERVISE A PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT".
This may not be the case for every state, but it definitely is for Oregon (I'm most familiar with our practice law since I live and work in Oregon) and I believe the majority of states.
If a PA wants to work with a podiatrist, both should thoroughly read the law and understand whether they can have a supervisory relationship. And if the BME rejects the application, it's probably because a DPM can't supervise.
That's the law.
L.
Ditto California. (http://www.physicianassistant.ca.gov/podiatrists.htm)

But not Virginia. (http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+54.1-2952)

Because the state PA practice laws specifically state "ONLY AN MD OR A DO MAY SUPERVISE A PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT".
This may not be the case for every state, but it definitely is for Oregon (I'm most familiar with our practice law since I live and work in Oregon) and I believe the majority of states.
If a PA wants to work with a podiatrist, both should thoroughly read the law and understand whether they can have a supervisory relationship. And if the BME rejects the application, it's probably because a DPM can't supervise.
That's the law.
L.

You seem to be quite passionate about this. Is there a past?

I know of podiatric residency programs that hire PA's to do the H&Ps and pre-op evals to lessen the work load of the residents, as to stay under 80 hrs/week.

That's interesting it directly states that in the VA law (aphistis).

LCR

ha, funny, no past, other than serving 3 1/2 years on the legislative side of the OSPA lobbying for PA privileges. So I know the law, at least in Oregon.
IMHO any practicing clinician should know their state's practice laws as it impacts their ability to practice. It drives me nuts when I hear students or (gasp!) experienced clinicians asking dumb***** questions they should already have learned the answer to. (Like gee, I thought all I needed to work in Oregon was my PA-C...what's this about having to get a license through the BME???) HUH?
L.

You seem to be quite passionate about this. Is there a past?

In Michigan, as it is in most states, PAs are only licensed to work under allopathic/osteopathic physicians. A PA is a PHYSICIAN assistant, not a podiatry assistant/veterinary assistant/dental assistant. In most states, only MDs or DOs are classified as physicians, by law. Many argue a DPM is a physician/surgeon of the foot,and I'm not going to dispute that, but the question here pertains to legal authority. A state's medical practice statute is controlling and will usually define who and what a physician is. Most states will specify MD and DO, whereas a few consider dentists, podiatrists, and psychologists to be "physicians". In cases where non-MD/DO practitioners are considered physicians, then I don't see why a PA couldn't work for that professional.

However, in addition to the medical practice statute, all states have an NP and PA statute that defines the scope of practice for those professionals. So, let's say State X says a physician is an MD, DO, DDS, and DPM. A PA could work for the DPM; however, that state's PA statute might limit the PA to only working under licensed allopaths and osteopaths, in which case, he/she would be operating outside his/her authority and could lose his/her license.

Thanks for the explaination. I think that it would be an asset for both professions. It is a fact that they already provide some podiatric procedures in their respective practices. This is a case where the law could and should be changed for the benefit of patients. What do you think?

Fluoxetine,

For some reason I thought you were still in law school. I guess I just noticed your name bearing the intitials "J.D." for the first time. Are you currently practicing law, or are you now trying to get a PharmD?

What you said makes sense. Next to agriculture, medicine is probably the most regulated profession in the country. Rightfully so.

Fluoxetine,

For some reason I thought you were still in law school. I guess I just noticed your name bearing the intitials "J.D." for the first time. Are you currently practicing law, or are you now trying to get a PharmD?

What you said makes sense. Next to agriculture, medicine is probably the most regulated profession in the country. Rightfully so.

I'm done with law school. Preparing for the February 2006 bar exam :rolleyes:

PharmD? Nope, I'm done with school! No neurons left to learn anything. Maybe one day, when I'm making good money, I'll go for an MBA :)