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ABOUT OPAs What is an "OPA-C"? | Read ASOPA's White Paper on this topic Definition: The certified Orthopaedic Physician's Assistant is a professional physician extender who has met the criteria set forth by the National Board for Certification of Orthopaedic Physician's Assistants and has successfully passed the certification examination as such, and maintains certification by complying with the bylaws of the NBCOPA. The Certified Orthopaedic Physician's Assistant may use the short title OPA-C. Design: These guidelines are not intended as a complete textbook, but are designed to direct and cue the Certified Orthopaedic Physician's Assistant to assist the orthopaedic physician toward complete assessment of signs, symptoms, analysis, treatment, and care for the orthopedic patient. Passage of the certification examination signifies an entry level of knowledge of the following categories in the specialty of orthopaedic medicine and surgery. 1. Anatomy & Physiology 2. Pharmacology 3. Assessment and treatment of Adult and Pediatric Orthopaedic Diseases and Injuries 4. Principals and Techniques of Operative Procedures 5. Functions and Applications of Instrumentation and Equipment Utilized in Operative Orthopaedic Procedures 6. Principals and Techniques of Traction, Casting, and Splint Applications 7. Evaluation and Interpretation of Laboratory, Radiological, and other Diagnostic Studies 8. Clinical Evaluation and Physical Assessment Functions, Prerogatives, and Responsibilities: The Certified Orthopaedic Physician's Assistant should practice in accordance with any existing applicable state rules or regulations that govern the practice of professional physician extenders. 1. The Certified Orthopaedic Physician's Assistant shall function in practice under the supervision of the orthopaedic physician in accordance with established policies and procedures. 2. The Certified Orthopaedic Physician's Assistant shall function as part of the supervision of the orthopaedic patient involving the whole management of are requiring the application of principles based upon the biological, physical, and social sciences. 3. The Certified Orthopaedic Physician's Assistant shall be responsible for the accurate recording and reporting of any facts, including evaluation and treatment of the whole care of the patient. 4. The Certified Orthopaedic Physician's Assistant may assist with patient education involving the whole patient care and plan of treatment. 5. The Certified Orthopaedic Physician's Assistant may assist with application and execution of orthopaedic procedures and services and execute the legal orders of the supervising orthopaedic physician concerning the whole care of the patient. 6. Follow-up care and services may be rendered by the Certified Orthopaedic Physician's Assistant commensurate with education and experience. All entries into the patient chart must be reviewed and signed by the supervising physician. 7. The Certified Orthopaedic Physician's Assistant may perform the following duties after proficiency has been demonstrated and in accordance with established policies and procedures. A. In the event of an emergency situation, administration of all recognized first aid procedures. B. Performance of History and Physical Assessment. C. Aspirations and Injections. D. Application and removal of all types of traction, casts, splints, and other immobilization devices and equipment. E. Assist with and perform digital blocks, hematoma blocks and the use of local anesthetics. F. Assist with the reduction of fractures and dislocations. G. Assist with and perform the removal or excision of superficial orthopedic hardware. 8. The Certified Orthopaedic Physician's Assistant may perform the following pre-operative duties: A. Pre-admission patient evaluation and work-up, including history and physical assessment, patient education, and the institution of routine orders, all of which are to be reviewed by the supervising physician. B. Institute admission, in-house, transfer and discharge orders, all of which are to be reviewed by the supervising physician. C. Evaluation of patient status by: 1) Routine daily rounds. 2) Evaluation of laboratory parameters, radiological and other diagnostic studies. 3) Progress Notes. 4) Routine Orders. 9. The Certified Orthopaedic Physician's Assistant may perform the following intra-operative duties in accordance with established policies and guidelines: A. Assist in setting orthopaedic instrumentation and equipment. B. Assist with patient preparation to include draping and positioning. C. First and second assist with all procedures to include tissue retraction, suturing of tissues, cutting of suture, closing of the operative case, and application of any appropriate appliance. 10 The Certified Orthopedic Physician's Assistant may perform the following post-operative duties: A. Removal of sutures. B. Application of casts, splints, traction, and other orthopaedic devices and equipment. C. Cast and splint changes, dressing changes with routine wound care as necessary. D. Institute and execute routine post-operative orders of the supervising physician. E. Chart progresses and other notes as necessary. F. Dictate noted and discharge summaries. General Summary: The Certified Orthopaedic Physician's Assistant (OPA-C) shall function in practice under the authority of the supervising orthopaedic physician. Functions shall include performing skilled services and procedures within the clinical setting, out-patient and in-patient facilities where privileges have been granted accordingly. The Certified Orthopaedic Physician's Assistant may function as a part of the whole patient treatment and management team. Services may be performed by the Certified Orthopaedic Physician's Assistant in primary orthopaedic care, pre-operative care, intra-operative care, and post-operative care for the orthopaedic patient in accordance with established policies and procedures. The Certified Orthopaedic Physician's Assistant reports to the supervising orthopaedic physician the complete patient status and shall notify accordingly of any abnormal findings, problems, or complaints regarding the whole care of the patient. |