Michele Roth-Kauffman, a physician assistant and attorney, discusses the differences between employing a physician assistant with and without written contract. In addition, Ms. Roth-Kauffman identifies the key terms of a written employment agreement, such as salary, employment term, liability insurance and scope of practice. Ms. Roth-Kauffman highlights those terms of employment which should be clearly specified if the employer choses to employ the physician assistant under an agreement.