Scope of Practice

In the specialized world of health care, one versatile professional stands out—the CMA (AAMA). This credential represents a medical assistant who has been certified by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

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Medical assistants are multi-skilled practitioners who assume a wide range of roles in physicians’ offices and other health care settings. Medical assisting is one of the nation’s fastest growing careers. Men and women already in the field—and those entering in the near future—are likely to find a growing demand for their services and ample opportunities for advancement in the years ahead.

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CMAs (AAMA) are proficient in a multitude of administrative and clinical tasks, and are widely viewed by physicians as vital partners in increasing medical office productivity.

 

Administrative Duties (may include, but not limited to):

• Using computer applications

• Answering telephones

• Welcoming patients

• Updating and filing patient medical records

• Coding and filling out insurance forms

• Scheduling appointments

• Arranging for hospital admissions and laboratory services

• Handling correspondence, billing, and bookkeeping

 

Clinical Duties (may include, but not limited to):

• Taking medical histories

• Explaining treatment procedures to patients

• Preparing patients for examinations

• Assisting the physician during examinations

• Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens

• Performing basic laboratory tests

• Instructing patients about medication and special diets

• Preparing and administering medications, including by intramuscular, intradermal, and subcutaneous injections—including vaccinations/immunizations, as directed by a physician or other licensed provider (e.g., a nurse practitioner or physician assistant)

• Transmitting prescription refills as directed

• Phlebotomy

• Taking electrocardiograms

• Wound care and changing dressings

 

 

What duties may be delegated to a medical assistant in the state of OH?

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Ohio

• Ohio Administrative Code: 4731.053 Administrative Rules for Physician’s Delegation of Medical Task

• Ohio Administrative Code: 4731-23: Delegation of Medical Tasks

• Ohio Administrative Code 4723-13-05: Criteria and standards for a licensed nurse delegating to an unlicensed person

• Ohio Administrative Code 4723.48 Delegation of authority to administer certain drugs

• Ohio Administrative Code 4723.489 Delegated authority to administer drugs

• State Medical Board of Ohio: Letter Regarding Physician Delegation of IV Catheter

• Ohio Administrative Code 4730.203 Delegation of administration of drug

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Other resources:​

• Scope of Practice for Medical Assistants under Ohio Law- One Pager (AAMA Legal Counsel July 2022)

• Misuse of Medical Assisting Credentials May Have Legal Consequences (AAMA Legal Counsel July 2022)

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Additional information regarding state-specific scope of practice laws can be found on the AAMA website. You may also send a query to Donald Balasa, JD, MBA (CEO & Legal Counsel for AAMA)  Email: dbalasa@aama-ntl.org