Physician Assistant Guide to Locum Tenens Jobs in Texas

Our recruiters and staffing specialists do not expect you, the provider, to know ins-and-outs of every state in the country. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled information from TripAdvisor, state government pages, and tourist information sources to give you a glimpse into life in Texas.

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Texas boasts a history marked by a recurring theme of transformation. Native American civilizations thrived before Spanish conquistadors claimed the land. Mexico won independence from Spain, only to see Texas break away to form its own republic. After statehood, ranching empires dominated until the discovery of oil brought industrialization. The 20th century saw further change with technology and space exploration. Today, Texas is an economic powerhouse, a blend of vast landscapes, diverse communities, and the legacy of its ever-evolving past.

The Lone Star Republic was born, a scrappy and independent nation, before joining the USA. Cattle drives, oil booms, and even space exploration shaped the state. Today, Texas does everything big – from gleaming cities to classic honky-tonks. Texas is an economic powerhouse, a blend of vast landscapes, diverse communities, and the legacy of its ever-evolving past, with a heaping side of Texas pride.

• The Alamo & Texas History: Remember the Alamo in San Antonio, explore missions along the San Antonio Riverwalk, and relive legendary stories of the Texas Revolution.
• Cities & Culture: Experience the vibrant energy of Austin, Houston, or Dallas, with world-class museums, live music, and diverse culinary scenes.
• Hill Country Charm: Take a scenic drive through the Texas Hill Country, visiting quaint towns, tasting at wineries, and swimming in natural springs.
• Coastal Adventures: Soak up the sun on the beaches of South Padre Island, enjoy water sports in Galveston, or explore the lively city of Corpus Christi.

• Oklahoma: Texas shares its entire northern border with Oklahoma. The distance from central Texas to the Oklahoma border is negligible. 
• New Mexico: Texas shares a long western border with New Mexico.  The distance from central Texas to the New Mexico border is approximately 650 miles. 
• Louisiana: Texas’s eastern border is formed by the Sabine River, with Louisiana situated on the other side. The distance from central Texas to the Louisiana border is around 300 miles.

What is the Scope of Practice for Physician Assistants in Texas?

Physician assistants (PAs) in Texas have full practice authority, meaning they can practice medicine independently without direct physician supervision. This includes diagnosis, treatment, prescription, and procedures. Full practice authority for PAs has been associated with improved access to care in rural and underserved areas, reduced costs, and enhanced quality of care.

Can Physician Assistants Sign Death Certificates in Texas?

In Texas, physician assistants are authorized to sign death certificates. PAs must complete a specific course of study and pass a state exam to practice medicine in Texas. They can provide medical services like diagnosing illnesses, prescribing medications, and performing minor procedures. To sign a death certificate, PAs must be present at the time of death or have reviewed medical records to determine the cause of death. This authority ensures accurate and timely death certificates as PAs are trained healthcare professionals qualified to make such determinations.

Does Texas Recognize Physician Assistants as Primary Care Providers? 

Physician assistants are recognized as primary care providers through a combination of statutes and administrative codes in Texas. PAs are authorized to perform a wide range of medical tasks, including diagnostics, prescribing medications, and ordering tests. Administrative codes provide further details on their role and responsibilities. PAs are recognized as primary care providers, establishing long-term relationships with patients and providing comprehensive care. While they typically work in collaboration with supervising physicians, the level of supervision varies based on experience and regulations. The recognition of PAs as primary care providers expands access to care in underserved and rural areas, improving overall healthcare delivery in Texas.

Can Physician Assistants Prescribe Schedule II Drugs in Texas?

Yes, physician assistants can prescribe schedule II drugs in Texas.

Do Physician Assistants Qualify for Medical Staff Membership in Texas?

Physician assistants in Texas are granted medical staff membership, acknowledging their professional standing and contributions to healthcare. PAs collaborate with physicians to deliver quality medical care and are integral healthcare providers. The inclusion of PAs in medical staff membership recognizes their value and aligns with the evolving healthcare landscape, emphasizing collaborative care models. PAs’ involvement in hospital policies, quality improvement initiatives, and patient safety protocols contributes to the overall functioning of the healthcare system. Texas sets an example for other states by fully integrating PAs into the healthcare delivery system.

Can Physician Assistants Order Physical Therapy in Texas?

Physician assistants have the authority to order physical therapy for their patients without needing direct supervision or approval from a physician. Ordering physical therapy by PAs has several benefits, such as improved access to care, continuity of care, and reduced healthcare costs. This development reflects the growing recognition of the important role PAs play in providing high-quality and cost-effective healthcare services.

Can Physician Assistants Sign Handicap Parking Permit Forms in Texas?

Physician assistants are authorized to certify disability for parking placards in Texas. PAs undergo rigorous medical training, licensing, and continuing education, ensuring their competence in assessing individuals’ eligibility for disabled parking placards. To obtain a placard, an individual must have a qualifying disability certified by a healthcare professional like a PA. The PA evaluates the individual’s condition, reviews medical records, and conducts examinations if needed. This authorization acknowledges PAs’ role in providing accessible parking for individuals with disabilities.

Can Physician Assistants Sign POLST/POST/MOLST/MOST/COLST Forms in Texas? 

No, physician assistants cannot execute a POLST Form in the state of Texas.

Can Physician Assistants Sign Do Not Resuscitate Orders in Texas?

In the state of Texas, physician assistants do not have the legal authority to sign Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders for their patients. DNR orders are typically made in consultation with the patient, their family, and other healthcare providers. DNR orders are legally binding in Texas and healthcare providers are not required to perform CPR or other life-sustaining measures if a patient’s heart stops or they stop breathing. DNR orders are a personal decision and there is no right or wrong answer. Patients who are considering signing a DNR order should discuss their decision with their physician and family to make sure that it is the right decision for them.

What are the Continuing Medical Education Requirements for Physician Assistants in Texas?

In Texas, physician assistants are required to complete 40 continuing education (CE) hours every two years to renew their license. These CE requirements are established to promote the delivery of high-quality healthcare to patients. PAs can obtain CE hours through various educational activities, including conferences, workshops, seminars, and online courses. The CE requirement for PAs in Texas ensures that they stay up-to-date with the latest medical advancements and best practices, which directly benefits patient care.