Clinic Physician Assistant

• Under the supervision of a licensed physician, performs comprehensive medical assessment of patients with real or potential acute and/or chronic health problems to determine their physical, emotional and social status by taking a complete medical history; perform a physical examination, initiate screening and diagnostic procedures; evaluate results of clinical findings and laboratory tests; establish a medical diagnosis; report any abnormalities to a physician.
• Identifies and manages common illnesses and/or other health problems in an outpatient clinical setting; refers problems or illnesses that require immediate medical attention to the appropriate practicing physician; assumes on-going responsibility for follow-ups.
• Plans a program of care, in collaboration with physicians, and/or other medical professionals as needed; orders appropriate treatments and prescribes/regulates medications per physician-agreed standards;
• Furnish medication under the supervision of a physician and in accordance with standardized procedures; monitors individual response(s) to medication; and educates individuals and their families as needed.
• Orders, evaluates, and interprets findings of a variety of diagnostic and laboratory tests which may include:
   x-rays, blood counts, chemistry panels, lipid panels, liver function tests, medical levels, EKG, etc.
• Reviews patient charts; records, documents, and maintains accurate records of assessments, evaluations, nursing/medical care administered, patient responses, and follow-up accurately and timely; utilizes the electronic health record systems according to protocol and procedures established by the appropriate agency.
• Teaches and counsels patients, parents or other family members regarding health maintenance in the area of specialization; teaches individuals and families information and skills necessary to maintain and improve health; advocates for the promotion of good physical health and disease prevention.
• Collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to deliver coordinated patient care; coordinates and facilitates referrals to other health or social agencies.
• Performs and monitors therapeutic procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with legal standards and County regulations.

• Laws and regulations governing Physician Assistants;
• Laws and regulations and ethical standards governing medical treatment and medical records;
• Medicare and Medi-cal regulations;
• Principles, practices and procedures used in the causes, diagnosis and treatment of common health problems related to the area of practice in an outpatient or clinic setting;
• Scope of responsibilities applicable under incumbent’s licensure.
• Medical laws and regulations and the ethics of patient care
• Principles of health maintenance and communicable disease prevention and management.
• Quality assurance and infection control practices and procedures.
• Medical terminology, human anatomy and physiology;

• Medications commonly used in family practice or clinical specialty including appropriate doses, indications, contraindications, side effects and adverse reactions.
• Diagnostic protocols; sterile techniques; and infection control; clinical significance of laboratory test results.
• Operations and care of medical equipment and instruments used in the area of specialty.
• Ethics and laws, under which medicine is practiced and governed and roles and responsibilities of allied health professions.
• Health care delivery systems, community resources and referral systems.

• Perform physical assessments, including ordering, interpreting, and evaluating complex diagnostic tests and examination; 
• Provide health care services, which include taking a complete medical history and performing a physical examination, and other related clinical procedures; including multi-generational family assessments as needed.
• Identify and manage health problems common to the area of practice.
• Use common medical instruments.
• Develop and implement treatment plans for patients according to prescribed policies, protocols, and scope of licensure
• Analyze, interpret, evaluate and apply appropriate procedures and protocols and determine situations requiring consultation or referral of case to a physician.
• Recognize social problems, which effect health and assist in securing adjustments.
• Safely administer medication; monitor and record patient’s medication usage and results;
• Prepare and maintain accurate medical records, medical reports, and case histories, as needed
• Educate patients and family members about health and medical conditions, preventative health measures, medications or treatment plans;
• Remain knowledgeable and proficient in medical health practices common to the area of practice;
• Communicate effectively in both oral and written forms for the purpose of gathering information, explaining procedures or a variety of other matters to individuals with varying degrees of knowledge.
• Establish and maintain effective professional relationships with those contacted in the course of work at all organizational levels including patients and health care personnel, and the public
• Perform duties effectively under pressure and in stressful situations.
• Adapt quickly and appropriately to a variety of situations and personalities;
• Demonstrate a high degree of maturity, tact, diplomacy, compassion, integrity, initiative, and independent judgment.

Any combination of training, education, and/or experience which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities and required conditions of employment listed above is qualifying. An example of a way these requirements might be acquired is:
 
Education: 
Successful completion of approved Physician Assistant training program leading to licensure as a Physician Assistant issued by the Physician Assistant Committee of the Medical Board of California.
 
Experience:  
Three to five years of experience as a Physician Assistant with demonstrated ability to provide the full scope of care for ambulatory patients, with little supervision in the areas of specialty.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Pursuant to Section 3503 of the Business and Professions Code, possess and maintain a License to practice as a Physician’s Assistant issued by the Physician’s Assistants Committee of the Medical Board of California.
2. Pursuant to Section 3502.1 of the Business and Professions Code possess and maintain a valid DEA number and registration.
3. Within one year of appointment, must possess and maintain National Physician Assistant Certification.

• The Health Department will conduct a thorough background and reference check process which includes a Department of Justice fingerprint check.
• Possess and maintain a valid California Class C driver’s license or the ability to provide suitable transportation that is approved by the appointing authority.
• Be available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and during times of disaster and/or emergency. 

• Monterey County Employment Application
• Response to the Supplemental Questions
• Valid and active following licensures at the time of hire: 
  • Valid Copy of California Physician Assistant License
  • Valid Copy of National Physician Assistant Certificate