Standards of care
As a medical assistant, you are expected to fulfill the standards of the medical assisting profession by practicing appropriate legal concepts for your profession. According to the AAMA, medical assistants should uphold legal concepts in the following ways:
- Maintain confidentiality.
- Practice within the scope of training and capabilities.
- Prepare and maintain medical records.
- Document accurately.
- Use appropriate guidelines when releasing patient information.
- Follow legal guidelines and maintain awareness of healthcare legislation and regulations.
- Maintain and dispose of regulated substances in compliance with government guidelines.
- Follow established risk management and safety procedures.
- Meet the requirements for professional credentialing.
Some state laws dictate what medical assistants may or may not do. For instance, in some states, it is illegal for medical assistants to give injections to patients. No state considers it legal for a medical assistant to diagnose a condition, prescribe treatment, or allow a patient to believe that the medical assistant is a nurse.
Scope of practice for medical assistants
There is no single definition of the scope of practice for medical assistants throughout the United States. Roughly a third of states have enacted scope-of-practice laws specifically covering medical assistant practice, and medical assistants working in those states must refer to the roles identified in the law. In states without such laws, medical assistant practice is guided by the norms of that particular location, facility policies and procedures, and individual provider-employers.
In some states, medical assistants are overseen by the board of nursing, whereas in others, the board of medicine oversees medical assistants. It is important for you to know your state’s rules governing medical assistants’ scope of practice.
One fact is absolutely true about all practicing medical assistants - they are not independent practitioners. Whether certified or not, regardless of length of training or experience, every medical assistant must practice under the direct supervision of a physician or licensed provider (nurse, practitioner, or physician assistant).
Example: staying within scope of practice
A patient calls and asks you to adjust her prescribed dosage because she feels the medication isn’t working. Adjusting a dosage falls under diagnosis and treatment, which no medical assistant may perform, regardless of experience or state.
Answer: Document the patient’s concern and refer the call to the supervising provider; don’t adjust the dosage yourself.
Professional medical assisting organizations, credentials, and continuing education
Becoming a member of a professional organization, obtaining credentials, and participating in continuing education are all part of being a professional medical assistant. In this next section, you will find information about the different professional organizations and how to obtain a medical assistant credential, and continuing education.
Most healthcare organizations have high standards for quality and performance. A code of ethics is also developed by the organization to help guide the actions of those in that particular profession. Professional organizations provide many benefits to their members, including opportunities for continuing education, national and regional conventions, and networking opportunities. Medical assisting is no different. Becoming a member of a professional organization will also show your employer that you are committed to being the best medical assistant. The following sections describe three of the main professional medical organizations available. Keep in mind that joining one of these organizations as a member is different from earning its certification - a certification credential, like the RMA or CCMA, is awarded only after passing that organization’s certification exam.
The American Association of Medical Assistants
The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) was founded in 1956 and remains the only association devoted exclusively to the medical assisting profession. According to the AAMA’s website, becoming a member includes the following benefits:
- AAMA legal counsel represents medical assistants across the United States to fight for the rights of medical assistant practice; in addition, the counsel stays abreast of federal and state laws regarding medical assisting.
- Members receive a complimentary subscription to CMA Today, an informative magazine devoted entirely to the medical assisting profession; each issue (six per year) offers continuing education unit (CEU) articles, medical assisting news, and healthcare information.
American Medical Technologists
The American Medical Technologists (AMT) was founded in 1939 as a nationally recognized certification agency for multiple allied health professionals, including medical assistants (RMA), medical laboratory technicians (MLT), phlebotomy technicians (RPT), medical administrative specialists (CMAS), and dental assistants (RDA).
The following are benefits to becoming a member of AMT:
- Professional publications
- Annual conventions
- State society meetings and seminars
- Continuing education
- Career services
- Awards and scholarships
Additional information can be found on their website.
The National Healthcareer Association
The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) was established in 1989 to offer certification examinations in a number of allied health programs. Certifications can be obtained in pharmacy, phlebotomy, and electrocardiography (ECG) technician. NHA also offers two different certifications in medical assisting: certified medical administrative assistant (CMAA) and certified clinical medical assistant (CCMA). NHA is not involved in program curriculum standards or program accreditation. Certifications are only offered to applicants who successfully pass the NHA examination developed for each specific medical discipline. You can obtain more information on their website.