PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT

(Bilingual)

(General)

GENERAL DEFINITION

This is professional medical work in the care and treatment of patients providing healthcare services under the supervision of a physician. Employees in this class take medical histories, perform physical examinations, and develop assessments, diagnostic work-up and treatment plans within the parameters of licensure and program protocols. Significant aspects of work include formulating treatment plans, prescribing medications or other forms of treatment, consulting with specialists when indicated and educating patients in general health care and disease-specific practices. Employees in this class keep abreast of trends and developments within their assigned specialty. All work is performed in collaboration with and under the supervision of a licensed physician in accordance with departmental policies and protocols.

ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be met for a position to be allocated to this class.)

1. An employee in this class must work for the Health Department.

2. An employee in this class must perform physical examinations, evaluate patients' conditions, and formulate treatment plans.

3. An employee in this class must report to and work in collaboration with a licensed physician.

TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)

Bilingual Specialty

Performs the duties described below with English language speaking and designated non-English language speaking populations.

Both Specialties

Interviews patients to obtain detailed health history including the following: history of present illness, past medical and surgical history, medication history, allergy history, family and social histories; obtains chief complaint and history of present illness; reviews prior medical records as needed.

Performs physical examinations; takes or reviews temperature, height, weight, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure; orders appropriate laboratory tests and radiologic studies; performs screening and diagnostic tests following established medical protocols or after consultation with physician(s); manages patients with minor illnesses or accidents and acute or chronic diseases following established medical protocols and in consultation with a physician.

Evaluates patient physical, emotional, mental, and nutritional status; identifies deviations from accepted normal standards; consults with physician to develop an acceptable plan for health care management; administers and dispenses drugs and medication under a physician's supervision or standing orders when indicated; performs follow-up care and refers patients to medical, nursing, or community resources as needed; provides one-on-one health education and counseling for patients; counsels patients in general health maintenance and/or for specific medical problems as indicated; initiates appropriate evaluation and medical procedures in emergency situations.

Maintains accurate and complete records of all medical activities; prepares forms, reports, and prescriptions for review and signature by physician.

Keeps abreast of new medical recommendations, procedures, techniques and trends; participates in continuing education activities.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF:

principles, practices, literature, and current developments in the recognition and treatment of disease.
clinical assessment and physical examination.
principles and practice of preventive medicine.
resources available to patients in need of specialty medical treatment, mental health assessments and treatment, substance abuse treatment, case management, home health care, and other services.
medical jurisprudence.

ABILITY TO:

work collaboratively with other health care team providers.
perform complete history and physical examination.
develop diagnostic and treatment plans
critically evaluate, integrate and interpret medical history, results of health evaluations, and results of diagnostic tests.
develop and implement a plan of medical care under the supervision of, and/or in consultation with, a licensed physician.
Record and maintain accurate up-to-date records of patient care.
Counsel patients regarding general health maintenance, nutrition, and identified medical problems.

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 8/24.)

EDUCATION:

Completion of a bachelor’s degree program from an accredited college or university with major coursework in the life sciences, physical sciences or related field.

AND

Completion of a physician assistant program accredited by the American Medical Association’s Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation, the Commission for Accreditation of Allied Health Educational Programs, Accreditation Review Commission of Pennsylvania or a successor organization or equivalent accrediting body as determined by the Office of Human Resources.

AND LICENSE:

Eligibility for Physician Assistant license at the time of application and possession of a Physician Assistant license issued by the Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine at the time of appointment.

Bilingual Specialty

Sufficient training and/or experience to be able to understand and speak fluently and clearly in English and a designated non-English language.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS, AND/OR CERTIFICATES

License as a Physician Assistant issued by the Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine at the time of appointment and during tenure of employment as a Physician Assistant.

Completion of the required Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits on a biennial basis to maintain licensure as a Physician Assistant as required by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and recognized by the Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine.

Eligibility for an unrestricted Controlled Substances Registration Certification from the United States Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration, and possession of such certification within six months of the date of appointment and during tenure of employment as a Physician Assistant.

Class Established:

CSC – 9/15

Ad. Board – 10/15

Change in pay rate:
CSC – 10/23

Ad. Board – 11/23

Latest Spec. Revision
CSC – 7/24

Ad. Board – 8/24