What Is the Medical and Legal Risk of Physicians Supervising Advanced Practice Providers?

Abstract

Physicians would be prudent to carefully evaluate their legal duties when supervising advanced practice providers. There are real legal risks inherent in the supervisory role physicians assume in today’s medical practice models. This article highlights the legal risks and the due diligence necessary when considering how to manage the agency relationship between physicians and advanced practice providers. The understanding of respondeat superior doctrine and vicarious liability will facilitate physician understanding of how to manage these relationships and mitigate legal risk.