2218-Physician Assistant

Job description

SAN FRANCISCO CIVIL SERVICE

COMMISSION

CLASS TITLE: PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT CODE: 2218

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS:

Under supervision of a physician or physician specialist, assesses and manages the health care needs of patients in primary care and specialized clinic settings; performs and interprets physical examinations and routine laboratory, screening and therapeutic procedures; educates and counsels patients regarding matters pertaining to their physical and mental health; and performs related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES:

Positions in this class provide primary and specialized care in general medical, specialty and forensic settings in collaboration and consultation with, and under the supervision of a physician. The scope of treatment performed is set forth under the provisions of the State of California Physician's Assistant Practice Act.

Class 2218 Physician Assistant is distinguished from classes 2220 Physician and 2230 Physician Specialist in that the Physician Assistant works under the supervision of a physician who accepts total responsibility for the health care of the patient. The Physician Assistant is distinguished from class 2328 Nurse Practitioner in that the former assumes responsibility for functions which overlap the practice of medicine and are performed according to standardized procedures. Positions allocated to class 2328 Nurse Practitioner assume responsibility for independent nursing functions which do not require an order from a physician or standardized procedures, in addition to primary and specialized functions performed according to standardized procedures.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

"The class specification shall be descriptive of the class and shall not be considered as a restriction on the assignment of duties not specifically listed." (CSC Rule 7)

1. Assesses and manages the care of patients in a general medical setting or within specialty clinics of the Department of Public Health; takes medical histories; performs physical examinations utilizing diagnostic techniques; evaluates physical signs and symptoms; recognizes and evaluates patients who require the immediate attention of a physician.

2. Performs routine laboratory and screening procedures such as drawing of venous blood, taking cultures, performing and reading skin tests, EKG tracings and pap smears; interprets results of tests.

3. Performs routine therapeutic procedures such as injections, immunizations, removal of sutures, strapping, casting and splinting sprains, and incision and drainage of superficial skin infections.

4. Educates and counsels patients regarding matters pertaining to their physical and mental health, such as diets, social habits, family planning, growth and development, aging, and understanding and management of their disease; facilitates referrals of patients to appropriate health facilities, agencies and resources of the community.

5. Administers treatments and medications prescribed by physicians.

6. Maintains appropriate patient records of histories, examinations and treatments administered; presents pertinent data to the physician.

CLASS TITLE: PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT CODE: 2218

QUALIFICATIONS:

"The examination announcement shall provide the qualifications ... and other particulars ... Applicants must be guided solely by the announcement of the examination for which they apply." (CSC Rule 9)

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills: Comprehensive knowledge of: the laws and regulations governing Physician Assistants, disease conditions and procedures involved in treatment and diagnosis of these conditions, basic pharmacology, concepts in clinical medicine and surgery, community health, mental health and preventive medicine, routine laboratory and screening techniques.

Abilities and Skills to: Interview patients and compile complete and accurate medical histories, perform routine physical examinations, observe and evaluate patients' emotional conditions, diagnose medical conditions and identify problems that require immediate consultation with a physician; assess and manage the care of patients, provide health education and counseling to patients, maintain good working relationships with other members of the health care team and prepare and maintain clear and concise patient case records and reports.

Positions located in specialty areas may require appropriate knowledge and skills within the discipline.

LICENSE/CERTIFICAT E:

Possession of a valid Certification as a Physician Assistant issued by the California Board of Medical Quality Assurance.

ADOPTED: 8/21/89

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Standard information

Disaster service work

All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Historic and future compensation