How should a PA respond to a suspected impairment in a colleague to protect patient safety?

• A. Ignore the concern.
• B. Follow institutional policy, report to the appropriate supervisor, ensure patient safety, and offer support to the colleague.
• C. Confront the colleague in front of patients.
• D. Immediately terminate the colleague.

Answer: (B)

When a PA suspects impairment in a colleague, the priority is patient safety and following the established process to address the concern. The best response is to act through the institution’s policy: report to the appropriate supervisor or designated authority, ensure that patient care remains safe (which may involve temporary changes in duties or supervision), and offer support to the colleague so they can seek help. This approach balances patient protection with the colleague’s well-being, using due process and formal channels rather than ad hoc actions. It also signals a commitment to a safe, functioning practice and to helping a colleague get the assistance they may need, such as medical evaluation or an employee assistance program.

Ignoring the concern risks patient harm and violates professional duty. Confronting the colleague in front of patients creates a chaotic situation, breaches privacy, and undermines the care relationship. Terminating immediately without following policy and due process deprives the colleague of support and appropriate evaluation, and it may not address the underlying issue or ensure patient safety in the long term.