Which of the following is within the scope of PAs?

• A. Perform organ transplants
• B. Prescribe medications
• C. Practice only in ambulatory clinics
• D. Work as stand-alone practitioners without supervision

Answer: (B)

Prescribing medications is within a PA’s scope when they are working under the supervision of a physician and within state regulatory rules. This prescribing authority is a central part of how PAs manage patient care, selecting appropriate drugs, adjusting doses, and coordinating therapy with the supervising physician or through established practice protocols.

Organ transplants are a highly specialized surgical area typically led by transplant surgeons; PAs may be part of the transplant team, but performing the transplant itself is not within their usual scope. PAs also practice in many settings beyond ambulatory clinics, including hospitals and urgent care facilities, so “practice only in ambulatory clinics” is too restrictive. And PAs do not operate as stand-alone practitioners without supervision; their practice is collaborative and defined by supervision or protocol-based agreements.