Understanding the Medical Assistant Scope of Practice in Tennessee

If you’re considering a career as a medical assistant in Tennessee, it’s important to understand the scope of practice for this profession. In this blog post, we’ll cover what Medical assistants can and cannot do in the state of Tennessee.

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What is the medical assistant scope of practice in Tennessee?

Medical Assistants in Tennessee are unlicensed healthcare professionals who perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks to support the work of licensed physicians. The specific duties that a medical assistant may perform, and the level of supervision under which they must be carried out, are governed by the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners’ medical assistant scope of practice guidelines.

Medical assistants in Tennessee may perform a variety of administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments, answering phones, and taking patient medical histories. They may also perform clinical tasks such as measuring vital signs, administering injections, preparing and handling laboratory specimens, and performing basic laboratory tests. All of these tasks must be performed under the direct supervision of a licensed physician.

The level of supervision required for each task varies depending on its complexity and potential for harm. For example, simple tasks such as measuring vital signs or taking patient medical histories can generally be carried out with minimal supervision, while more complex tasks such as administering injections or performing laboratory tests must be carried out under the direct supervision of a licensed physician.

The Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners’ medical assistant scope of practice guidelines are designed to protect patients by ensuring that medical assistants only perform those tasks for which they have been properly trained and that they are supervised appropriately. Any violation of these guidelines could result in disciplinary action against the medical assistant or the supervising physician.

What tasks can medical assistants perform in Tennessee?

In 2018, the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiner’s (BOM) released a statement clarifying the medical assistant scope of practice in the state. According to the statement, medical assistants in Tennessee are allowed to perform a wide range of duties, including but not limited to:

• Patient history taking
• Physical examination
• Laboratory procedures
• Radiographic procedures
• EKGs
• Point-of-care testing
• Immunizations
• Phlebotomy

What are the restrictions on medical assistants in Tennessee?

Medical assistants in Tennessee are not allowed to perform certain tasks that are considered to be beyond their scope of practice. These prohibited tasks include, but are not limited to, the following:

-Administering injectable medications
-Performing Diagnostic tests (e.g., X-rays, MRIs, etc.)
-Dispensing prescription medications
-Providing patient care without direct supervision by a licensed healthcare provider

In addition to these restrictions, medical assistants in Tennessee must also follow all federal and state laws pertaining to the practice of medicine. This includes, but is not limited to, laws related to the privacy of patient health information (HIPAA), insurance billing and coding, and Medicare/Medicaid regulations.

What education and training is required to be a medical assistant in Tennessee?

In order to become a medical assistant in Tennessee, an individual must complete an accredited postsecondary medical assisting program. Upon completion of the program, the individual must then pass the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

What are the benefits of being a medical assistant in Tennessee?

Medical assistants in Tennessee are tasked with a variety of duties in order to support the work of physicians and other medical professionals. They may be responsible for performing administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments and handling patient records, or they may provide clinical support, such as taking vital signs and assisting with medical procedures. In some cases, medical assistants may also be responsible for educating patients on their health conditions and medications.

The scope of practice for medical assistants in Tennessee is governed by the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners. According to the Board, medical assistants must complete an accredited training program and pass a national certification exam in order to be eligible for licensure. Once licensed, medical assistants are allowed to perform certain tasks under the supervision of a licensed physician. However, they are not allowed to diagnose or treat patients without the supervision of a licensed medical professional.

What are the challenges of being a medical assistant in Tennessee?

While medical assistants may have a broad range of duties, there are still certain tasks that they are not legally allowed to perform. The medical assistant scope of practice is determined by each state, and it is important for medical assistants to understand the specific laws in their state.

In Tennessee, the Board of Medical Examiners regulates the medical assistant scope of practice. According to the Board, medical assistants may perform a variety of tasks that fall under the following categories:

-Performing patient intakes
-Drawing blood
-Administering injections
-Assisting with x-rays and other diagnostic procedures
-Taking patient vital signs
-Performing EKGs
-Documenting patients’ medical histories
-Scheduling appointments
-Coding and billing insurance claims

However, there are some limitations to what medical assistants can do in Tennessee. For example, they are not allowed to diagnose or treat conditions, prescribe medications, or perform surgeries. In addition, medical assistants must always work under the direct supervision of a licensed physician or nurse.

What is the job outlook for medical assistants in Tennessee?

The job outlook for medical assistants in Tennessee is good. The state is projected to have a 20 percent growth in employment of medical assistants between 2016 and 2026, which is higher than the national average of 18 percent.1 There are several factors that contribute to this high projected growth rate.

What are the top employers of medical assistants in Tennessee?

Medical assistants play a vital role in the healthcare industry, providing support to doctors and nurses and performing a variety of administrative and clinical tasks. In Tennessee, medical assistants must follow a defined scope of practice, which outlines the types of tasks they are allowed to perform.

The top employers of medical assistants in Tennessee include hospitals, doctor’s offices, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. Medical assistants may also find employment with insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, and other businesses that support the healthcare industry.

What are the top medical assisting programs in Tennessee?

Tennessee is home to many top-notch medical assisting programs. Here are some of the best:

• Rhodes College in Memphis offers a comprehensive medical assisting program that includes coursework in anatomy and physiology, medical office procedures, and patient care.

• The Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia in Murfreesboro offers a medical assistant program that focuses on preparing students for a career in anesthesia.

• Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate offers a medical assistant program that includes coursework in medical law and ethics, human anatomy and physiology, and clinical procedures.

How can I become a medical assistant in Tennessee?

To become a medical assistant in Tennessee, you must first complete an accredited medical assisting program. Once you have completed your training, you will need to pass the Medical Assistant Certification Exam (MACE) administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Once you have passed the MACE, you will be eligible to apply for a medical assistant license through the Tennessee Board of Pharmacy.