Within a Department of Corrections facility, working under the supervision of a qualified physician, provides direct patient care involving assessment and treatment of a wide variety of illnesses and physical/mental abnormalities.

The Corrections Health Care Specialist 1 is distinguished from other licensed medical classifications by the incumbents qualifications to perform those medical functions prescribed and allowable under RCW 18.71A, et seq.  

Incumbents in this class differ from those in the Corrections Health Care Specialist 2 class by the level of accountability and the type of review required by the sponsoring physician.

Subject to the supervision of an authorized physician, examines patients and diagnoses their illnesses; recommends and administers routine medical treatment; refers difficult and complex cases to the supervising physician and assists in further examination, diagnosis and treatment of such cases;  

Orders and interprets laboratory examinations, analyses and x-rays; writes prescriptions; makes rounds of wards and reports on condition and progress of patients;  

Assists in instructing and supervising nurses, technicians and personnel assigned for special training; attends and participates in clinics and staff conferences on surgical, medical and mental conditions of various patients and their diagnosis and treatment;  

Prepares case histories, reports and related correspondence;  

Performs other work as required.

Knowledge of:  methods and principles of general medicine; methods of diagnosing and treating more common medical and/or mental disorders; hospital organization and procedures; social work and rehabilitation therapies.  

Ability to: examine, diagnose and recommend treatment of physical diseases and deficiencies; interpret laboratory analyses and x-rays; prepare comprehensive case histories.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Graduation from a Physicians Assistant training program approved by the Washington State Board of Medical Examiners.  

OR 

Evidence of licensure by the Washington Board of Medical Examiners prior to July 1, 1989.  

Note (1): Applicants must include evidence of completion of the above training program at the time of application.  

Note (2): Individuals appointed after certification from the register must be sponsored by a licensed physician representing the State of Washington and be registered or granted interim approval as a Physician Assistant by the Washington State Board of Medical Examiners prior to performing duties as a Physician Assistant. Permanent appointment will be contingent upon registration by the Washington State Board of Medical Examiners within 90 days following appointment.  

Note (3): Recent changes to RCW 18.17A - Physicians Assistant only affected foreign medical school graduates applying for registration as Physician Assistants in the state of Washington after July 1, 1989 by the Washington State Board of Medical Examiners. The Washington State Board of Medical Examiners will continue to renew the licenses of Physician Assistants who were licensed prior to July 1, 1989.