What does a PA do? 

Physician Assistants or Physician Associates are trained in medicine and can evaluate, diagnose, treat and prescribe medications to patients. Practice laws for PAs vary by state. In Colorado, PAs are allowed to prescribe all medications that are in their scope of practice (in their specialty or wheel house) and are trained and certified to prescribe. This means that PAs can prescribe controlled substances. 

PAs were first trained at Duke University in 1967 as a way to expand access to and reduce cost of healthcare.  That mission has succeed and grown exponentially in it's realization.  Since then, the PA professional has been so useful that it has expanded to other nations and continues to grow in specialties, including psychiatry and mental health. 

Traditionally, PAs worked with a supervising physician-- a doctor who teaches and supervises their work.  However, as PAs have shown their experience and competence over decades, Colorado moved to a collaborating physician model.  This is where a PA maintains a relationship with a physician for guidance but is not limited to practice only what the physician dictates. 

In conclusion, PAs offer excellent, qualified medical care and are able to offer comprehensive, reliable care to those in need. They are an important part of the healthcare system by increasing access to formidable need for care. 

You are in safe, knowledgeable and compassionate hand with a PA.