Definitions

§ 8850. Definitions. As used in this article: 1. The term "pathologists' assistant" means a person licensed to assist physicians who practice pathology by providing services within the permitted scope of practice for pathologists' assistants as defined in subdivision four of this section. All such services shall be performed under the direction and supervision of a licensed physician who practices anatomic pathology.

2. The term "direction and supervision" means continuous direction and supervision, but shall not be construed as necessarily requiring the physical presence of the supervising physician at the time and place where such services are performed.

3. The term "physician" means a practitioner of medicine licensed to practice medicine pursuant to article one hundred thirty-one of this title.

4. The term "scope of practice for pathologists' assistants" means the provision of the following services under the direction and supervision of a licensed physician who practices anatomic pathology: (a) preparing gross tissue sections for pathology analysis, including but not limited to, cutting, staining as required, describing gross anatomic features, dissecting surgical specimens, and submitting tissues for bio-banking, histologic processing, or other analyses; (b) performing human postmortem examinations, including but not limited to, selection of tissues and fluids for further examination, external examination, dissection, and gathering and recording information for autopsy reports; and (c) other functions and responsibilities in furtherance of and consistent with the foregoing as determined by the department. The term does not include the authority to diagnose or provide a medical opinion. Services of a pathologists' assistant must be performed in a laboratory or other site authorized under law to perform such services.

5. The term "committee" means the state committee for pathologists' assistants created by this article.