PHA - 513 PA Professionalism & Practice I

This is the first of a three-part course series designed to introduce and familiarize students with the professional and practice issues of importance to the PA profession. PA Professionalism and Practice I is designed to introduce and familiarize the student with the major professional issues and communication skills important to a practicing PA working on a medical team. Topics include the history and development of the PA profession, the physician-PA relationship, PA scope of practice and professional regulations, licensure, certification/recertification, PA program accreditation, and PA professional organizations. The course also covers legal issues in health care related to PA practice, including the Healthcare Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), professional liability, laws and regulations, billing and reimbursement, quality assurance and risk management. This course includes basic training in verbal and non-verbal communication skills needed for successful clinical practice. Prerequisites: Successful completion, with a grade of C or higher, of prerequisite undergraduate courses in psychology or equivalent social or behavioral science. Retake Counts for Credit: No. Pass/No Pass Grading Allowed: No. Credit(s): 2