COPE Health Scholars Complete Practice Test 2025

Physician Assistants (PAs) typically operate under the supervision of a licensed physician. This means that their practice is closely aligned with and governed by the regulations of the physician's license. PAs work as part of a healthcare team and have the authority to perform many of the same duties as physicians, including diagnosing illnesses, developing treatment plans, and prescribing medications, all while being accountable to the supervising physician's practice. This collaborative model ensures that PAs provide care within a framework established by medical training and standards that physicians uphold.

The other types of licenses listed—those for Registered Nurses, Nursing Assistants, and Independent practice—do not accurately reflect the foundational role of PAs, who are explicitly linked to physician oversight in their practice. This relationship emphasizes the integration of PAs within the healthcare system, underscoring their dependency on the physician’s license for legal and professional operation.