Who is responsible for the consequences of delegated medical acts?

The supervising physician holds primary responsibility for the consequences of delegated medical acts. In a medical setting, when tasks or procedures are delegated to mid-level providers, such as physician assistants or nurse practitioners, it is the supervising physician who retains accountability for the care provided. This includes ensuring that the delegated tasks fall within the scope of practice of the mid-level provider and that appropriate supervision is maintained.

In Texas, the rules governing delegation require that the supervising physician provide oversight, ensuring that the delegated medical acts comply with legal and ethical standards. If complications arise or if there is negligence in the performance of these acts, the supervising physician can be held liable. This underscores the importance of proper delegation and supervision in medical practice to protect patient safety and uphold quality care.

The midlevel provider, while responsible for their actions and the execution of delegated tasks, operates under the supervision and authority of the physician. The institution may have some liability in certain situations, but ultimately, it is the supervising physician who is responsible in a direct capacity for the medical decisions made and actions taken by those they supervise. The patient cannot be held responsible for the actions of healthcare providers; rather, they are the recipients of care.