Imaging services firm University Nuclear and Diagnostics (UND) will begin using physician assistants (PAs) to supervise cardiac nuclear stress tests, without a doctor present.
UND made the change after the Florida Academy of Physician Assistants (FAPA) confirmed a change in rules that had required direct physician supervision of stress tests. The group stated that PAs may now be given the authority to "issue a final diagnosis" and perform cardiac stress testing without a supervising physician present.
UND said it will begin providing the option of services with PA supervision to clients and healthcare facilities in Florida when it's appropriate to do so. The service will enable doctors to have stress tests completed when they are away, UND said. The company hopes to offer the service nationwide as more states adopt similar policies.
