Which statement best describes how liability for a PA's actions can be shared between the PA and supervising physician?

• A. The PA for their own actions; the supervising physician and/or practice may share liability depending on control, supervision, and employment relationships.
• B. Only the PA is liable; supervisor cannot be liable.
• C. The hospital is always solely liable.
• D. Liability is never shared.

Answer: (A)

Liability for a PA’s actions can be shared among the PA, the supervising physician, and the employing practice because care is delivered within a supervision and employment framework. The PA is personally liable for their own negligent actions, but the supervising physician and/or the practice can also bear liability under concepts like vicarious liability or negligent supervision if their oversight, supervision level, or employer policies contributed to the harm. The exact sharing depends on who controlled the care, how closely supervision was provided, and the nature of the employment relationship. If supervision was adequate and the PA acted within the scope of practice, liability may primarily rest with the PA, but if supervision was lacking or the employer failed to implement proper policies, the supervisor or institution can share responsibility. This is why the statement describing shared liability based on control, supervision, and employment relationships is the best choice.