WAC 246-918-250. Basic physician assistant-surgical assistant (PASA) duties

The physician assistant-surgical assistant (PASA) who is not eligible to take the NCCPA certifying exam shall: (1) Function only in the operating room as approved by the commission; (2) Only be allowed to close skin and subcutaneous tissue, placing suture ligatures, clamping, tying and clipping of blood vessels, and cauterizing for hemostasis under direct supervision; (3) Only be allowed to assist the operating surgeon. The PASA may not perform any independent surgical procedures, even under direct supervision; (4) Have no prescriptive authority; and (5) Only write operative notes. The PASA may not write any progress notes or order(s) on hospitalized patients.