Proper supervision is paramount to ensure that PA students learn effectively, maintain patient safety, and adhere to professional standards. While preceptors may not be physically present for every patient interaction, it is crucial to:
- Be readily available for consultation.
- Assign an appropriate alternate preceptor (MD, DO, PA, NP) for any period of absence or when the primary preceptor is off duty.
- Prohibit students from providing unsupervised care or being treated as staff; they are always under the direct or delegated supervision of the preceptor.
