Job Description

JOB PURPOSE: The Physician Assistant (PA) – delivers high-quality care for the diagnosis and treatment of disease, promotion of health and prevention of disease, and the physical and emotional support of patients and families. The Physician Assistant (PA) provides healthcare services to established patients, in accordance with the licensure and the highest standards of quality and integrity. The PA will practice under the supervision of a physician unless they meet the Arizona State requirements for independent practice.
The completion of these duties, tasks, or assignments requires a high level of independent judgment and decision-making in the execution of the scope or authority and responsibility for the position. The Physician Assistant (PA) must be able to successfully perform all essential functions, duties, tasks, assignments, and responsibilities assigned within the El Rio Health organization. The Physician Assistant (PA) position works with general direction and review, and has discretion and independent judgment authority with respect to matters of significance for the assigned area.
Essential Job Functions:
· Delivers healthcare in a professional manner that strives to meet or exceed those criteria set forth by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), and The Joint Commission (TJC), as well as the internal standards that seek continuous quality improvements.
· Under the supervision of a physician or if the PA meets criteria for independent practice, evaluates patients, performing examinations, and establishing preventive health practices;
o Analyzes reports test results medical records and examinations to diagnose condition of patients and proposes treatment options.
· Provides advice to patients for lifestyle and diet changes that may improve their health or help to treat the health issue.
· Provides care that is patient and family centered, compassionate, appropriate and effective for the promotion of health, prevention of illness and treatment of disease through lifespan.
· Provides open access same day availability
· Helps ensure employees and their families have an access point for acute care.
· Facilitates consistent, coordinated care and clear communication among all members of the healthcare team.
· Refers to specialists when indicated.
· Serves as an advocate for patients and families in navigating the healthcare system.
· Prescribes pharmaceuticals, other medications and treatment regimens to treat identified and documented medical conditions.
· Maintains Medical Records for all services rendered, tests ordered, prescriptions, advice, and communications, in a manner consistent with regulatory agencies, diagnostic, and procedural coding documentation requirements, and the standards of good medical care.
· Attends to patient emergencies in the health center.
· Complies with terms of all payor contracts and any other legal requirements concerning discrimination, access to care and the standard of care.
· Considers cost effectiveness and risk/benefit analysis when making decisions about patient care.
· Maintains good standing with the Federal and State agencies avoiding any action that may lead to sanctioning, exclusion, or other ineligible status, and will notify employer immediately of any action, notice, or event that could lead to exclusion or the allegation of malpractice.
· Remains in compliance with the terms of the contract as well as all clinical and employment-related policies and procedures, terms and conditions.
· Adheres to El Rio organizational and department-specific safety, confidentiality, values policies and standards.
· Adheres to El Rio Health organizational and department specific policies, procedures, ongoing quality improvement objectives and safety, environmental and infection control standards.
· Records complete, timely and accurate medical records in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
· Maintains patient confidentiality and complies with all federal and state Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA).
· Maintains a clean, safe, and hygienic work environment in compliance with all Policies and Procedures including but not limited to work areas, workstations, examination rooms, hand washing, infection prevention and control etc. for this position
· Demonstrates an understanding of and proficiency with the application of all compliance and reporting requirements respective to Joint Commission Certification (JCC) standards.
· Participates in ongoing Continuing Medical Education Programs.
· Actively participates in self-evaluation by seeking and utilizing guidance and constructive feedback in a professional manner.
· Continually seeks opportunities for clinical advancement, knowledge and skill attainment.
· Attends program and committee meetings as assigned.
Minimum Education and Experience:
· Master’s or Doctorate’s degree from an accredited Physician Assistant Program.
If applicable, equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered, and must be directly related to the functions and responsibilities of the job.

Required Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations:
· Active and unencumbered Practice Physician Assistant Licensure in the state of Arizona.
· Active Board Certification as a Physician Assistant in specialty area as applicable.
· Active DEA license or ability to apply for such license prior to or upon hire.
· Current provider card in Basic Life Support (BLS) and advanced life support certifications if relevant to the practice area or facility; (Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP).
· Level I fingerprint clearance card: current valid and in good standing or have applied for it within seven working days after beginning employment,
· Employees in this position are required to have reliable transportation that can meet any operational reassignments of the organization during the workday. If an employee is driving during work hours, the employee is required to possess a valid driver’s license and must comply with Arizona vehicle insurance requirements.

Preferred Education, Experience, Skills, Abilities:
· Doctorate’s degree from an accredited Physician Assistant Program.
· One (1) or more years of experience as a Physician Assistant in an Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Pediatric, or Internal Medicine center/clinic setting. .
· Clinical experience working in a Community Health Center Environment.
· Bilingual (English/Spanish) with the ability to speak, read and write in both languages
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for sincerely held religious beliefs, observances, and practices to perform the essential functions of the job.
El Rio Health does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions are based on job-related factors.
El Rio Health requires all AZ employees to have a Level One Fingerprint Clearance card. A.R.S. 36.425.03. New hires and transfers must submit their fingerprint clearance card or fingerprint receipt before their hire date or transfer date. Level One (1) Non-IVP Fingerprint Clearance card must be received within 30 days after the new employee hire date or transfer date.
All employees are strongly recommended to obtain and maintain vaccination status (i.e., as recommended by CDC and/or other public health agencies) to include an Influenza vaccination. Subject to exemptions and accommodations when required by law. (Policy: Adm-016 & Adm-045).
All employees are required to undergo drug testing prior to employment and will be subject to post-accident, reasonable suspicion, return to duty and follow up drug and alcohol testing in compliance with Federal and State regulations for alcohol and controlled substance testing. Employees in positions holding responsibility for the safety and welfare of others will also be classified as safety sensitive.
El Rio Health is a non-profit 501(c)(3) Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and abides by all applicable federal Drug-Free Workplace standards. El Rio Health is an equal opportunity employer.