PDFWAC 246-918-260

Physician assistant-surgical assistant (PASA)—Use and supervision.

The following section applies to the physician assistant-surgical assistant (PASA) who is not eligible to take the NCCPA certification exam.
(1) Responsibility of PASA. The PASA is responsible for performing only those tasks authorized by the supervising physician(s) and within the scope of PASA practice described in WAC 246-918-250. The PASA is responsible for ensuring their compliance with the rules regulating PASA practice and failure to comply may constitute grounds for disciplinary action.
(2) Limitations, geographic. No PASA may be used in a place geographically separated from the institution in which the PASA and the supervising physician are authorized to practice.
(3) Responsibility of supervising physician(s). Each PASA shall perform those tasks they are authorized to perform only under the supervision and control of the supervising physician(s). Such supervision and control may not be construed to necessarily require the personal presence of the supervising physician at the place where the services are rendered. It is the responsibility of the supervising physician(s) to ensure that:
(a) The operating surgeon in each case directly supervises and reviews the work of the PASA. Such supervision and review shall include remaining in the surgical suite until the surgical procedure is complete;
(b) The PASA shall wear identification as a "physician assistant-surgical assistant" or "PASA." In all written documents and other communication modalities pertaining to their professional activities as a PASA, the PASA shall clearly denominate their profession as a "physician assistant-surgical assistant" or "PASA";
(c) The PASA is not presented in any manner which would tend to mislead the public as to their title.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.71A.150, 18.130.050, chapter 18.71A RCW and 2020 c 80. WSR 21-22-043, § 246-918-260, filed 10/27/21, effective 11/27/21. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.71.017, 18.130.050, chapter 18.71A RCW, and 2013 c 203. WSR 15-04-122, § 246-918-260, filed 2/3/15, effective 3/6/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.71.017 and 18.71A.020. WSR 96-03-073, § 246-918-260, filed 1/17/96, effective 2/17/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.250. WSR 93-11-008 (Order 360B), § 246-918-260, filed 5/5/93, effective 6/5/93. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.71.017. WSR 92-12-089 (Order 278B), § 246-918-260, filed 6/3/92, effective 7/4/92; WSR 91-06-030 (Order 147B), recodified as § 246-918-260, filed 2/26/91, effective 3/29/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.71A.020. WSR 89-13-002 (Order PM 850), § 308-52-660, filed 6/8/89, effective 9/30/89.]