Can NPs delegate to PAs?

evolvingrn, BSN, RN · Jun 2, 2016

A pa is supervised by a md so I would guess no?

Trauma Columnist · Jun 2, 2016

I work in a practice with PAs, NPs, and CNSs and we are all on equal footing

Grumble88 · Jun 2, 2016

I'm curious about independent practice states where NPs don't require delegation from a physician to prescribe. Can we in turn delegate prescriptive authority to a PA? My googling was unsuccessful so I thought to ask here.

Psychcns · Jun 2, 2016

PA's are supervised by MD's not NP's. NP practice is about evaluating and treating patients. I don't see how NP prescriptive authority can be delegated if what you mean is that it is done by someone else with your oversight.

NP2000 · Jun 3, 2016

I work in a state where NPs/PAs work very collaboratively....so, would I delegate to a colleague...perhaps, as our practice was very team driven and we all supported one another and the needs of the patient

evolvingrn, BSN, RN · Jun 6, 2016

I work in a state where NPs/PAs work very collaboratively....so, would I delegate to a colleague...perhaps, as our practice was very team driven and we all supported one another and the needs of the patient

That is perhaps collaboration? A pa must be supervised by a md in all 50 states..... I think the question was more if a np in a state of independent practice could fill that role

sailornurse · Jun 6, 2016

I'm in New Mexico where we have had independent practice for about 23 years. NPs and PAs, sometimes they call us mid-levels, a termI personally don't like. We are considered interchangeable but no a nurse practitioner would not supervise or delegate to a PA.

Lisa.fnp · Jun 6, 2016

I'm in New Mexico where we have had independent practice for about 23 years. NPs and PAs, sometimes they call us mid-levels, a termI personally don't like. We are considered interchangeable but no a nurse practitioner would not supervise or delegate to a PA.

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Do not accept the term mid-level under any circumstances. I love the AANP answer to the term.

Also we are not interchangeable, but they certainly want to group us as such.

Grumble88 · Jun 6, 2016

Thanks evolvingrn, that's what I was asking. Looks like the answer is a "no" regardless of independent practice, though. Thanks for everyone's responses.

aprnKate · Jun 6, 2016

No. NPs cannot delegate or supervise PAs. NPs and PAs can delegate and supervise to medical assistants, LVNs, RNs, CNAs. NPs and PAs work collaboratively as colleagues to deliver quality patient care.

PG2018 · Jun 8, 2016

What is your connotation of delegate and what are you wanting to delegate?

You cannot independently employ a PA, but if you're their supervisor you can delegate any non clinical task and direct them to engage in anything their physician supervisor and certification allow.

Ex, PA clean the toilets. PA, see all the sick kids. PA, set up my suture tray, no, instead, you suture while I watch TV in the lounge.