Under general supervision, what is required of the supervising physician?

• A. They must be in the same room for every patient encounter.
• B. They must be always available to the PA but not necessarily in person.
• C. They must personally perform all procedures.
• D. They must supervise only during certain hours.

Answer: (B)

General supervision means the supervising physician must be readily available to guide and support the PA, but does not have to be physically present for every patient encounter. The PA can manage patients and perform procedures within an approved scope, provided the physician can be reached for real-time consultation or for review and direction as needed. This availability can be through phone, video, or other approved communication methods, not just in person. The physician remains responsible for the quality of care and must supervise according to an agreed plan.

This differs from requiring the physician to be in the same room for every encounter, which describes direct supervision, and from requiring the physician to personally perform all procedures, which is not a necessity under general supervision. The idea that supervision occurs only during certain hours is not the defining feature of general supervision; rather, it's about ongoing, readily available supervision as needed.