Under SBM and SBOM, how many alternate supervising physicians need to be listed?

• A. A single alternate name and license number.
• B. Two alternates.
• C. Three alternates.
• D. All alternates.

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is ensuring continuous, accountable supervision. When a supervising physician is unavailable, a designated alternate supervisor must be able to step in, so there’s always a qualified physician overseeing the PA’s work.

For SBM and SBOM, you only need one alternate supervising physician listed. That alternate’s name and license number are provided so there’s a clear, verifiable backup who is authorized to supervise if the primary cannot be reached. Having a single designated alternate avoids ambiguity about who is in charge at any given time and keeps the supervision arrangement straightforward and enforceable.

While some may think more than one alternate is necessary, these boards specify a single alternate in the listing, which aligns with keeping supervision clear and efficient.