Ohio’s Scope of Practice for Medical Assistants

Ohio’s Medical assistants are vital members of the healthcare team who provide quality patient care. They are trained in a variety of medical procedures and have a scope of practice that allows them to perform many tasks.

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Introduction

Medical Assistants are an important part of the medical team, providing support to physicians and other health care providers. The scope of practice for medical assistants varies by state, but generally includes taking medical histories and performing physical examinations, taking and recording vital signs, assisting with procedures, preparing patients for examinations, providing patient education, and performing administrative tasks.

In Ohio, medical assistants must complete a training program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Upon completion of their training program, medical assistants must pass a national certification exam administered by either the American Medical Assistants Association (AMMA) or the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

What is a medical assistant?

A medical assistant is an allied health professional that supports the work of physicians and other health professionals, usually in a clinic setting. Medical assistants perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices of physicians and other health practitioners running smoothly. In Ohio, medical assistants must complete an accredited training program and pass a certification exam before they can begin working.

The duties of a medical assistant

Medical assistants are a vital part of the health care team. They work closely with doctors and nurses to provide patient care and perform administrative duties.

In Ohio, medical assistants are allowed to perform a variety of tasks, including taking medical histories, measuring patients’ vital signs, administering injections and performing basic laboratory tests. Ohio law also allows medical assistants to assist with minor surgery, such as removing stitches.

Medical assistants must have a high school diploma or equivalent, and must complete an accredited medical assistant program. They must also pass a national certification exam before they can begin working.

The education and training of a medical assistant

Medical assistants in Ohio are unlicensed health care professionals who perform routine clinical and administrative tasks in medical offices under the supervision of a physician or other licensed health care provider. The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation defines a medical assistant as an “unlicensed individual who has successfully completed a post-secondary educational program that is accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).”

In order to become a medical assistant in Ohio, one must successfully complete an accredited post-secondary educational program. There are currently no education or training requirements beyond successful completion of an accredited program. However, certain employers may require certification from a national organization such as the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), National Healthcare Association (NHA), or American Medical Technologists (AMT).

The scope of practice for medical assistants in Ohio

Medical assistants in Ohio are unlicensed health care professionals who perform routine tasks and procedures under the supervision of a licensed physician.

The Ohio Board of Medicine defines the scope of practice for medical assistants in Ohio as follows: “A medical assistant is an unlicensed individual who has completed a training program of at least one academic year or its equivalent and who performs routine technical support services under the supervision of a licensed physician.”

Medical assistants in Ohio are permitted to perform the following tasks and procedures:
-Taking and recording patient medical histories
-Performing basic physical examinations
-Assisting with office surgical procedures
-Drawing and collecting blood specimen
-Preparing patients for x-rays and laboratory tests
– Administering medications as directed by a physician
-Instructing patients about medications, dietary restrictions, and other health care matters

The Ohio Board of Nursing’s position on medical assistants

The Ohio Board of Nursing’s position on medical assistants is that they are unlicensed individuals who perform tasks that support the work of licensed health care professionals. Medical assistants may perform administrative and clinical tasks in a medical office, clinic, or other health care setting. They do not, however, have the education or training to provide patient care independently. The Ohio Board of Nursing believes that medical assistants can play an important role in the delivery of quality health care, but they must work under the supervision of a licensed health care professional.

The Ohio Medical Board’s position on medical assistants

The Ohio Medical Board’s position on medical assistants is that they are an important part of the health care team and can play a vital role in providing patient care. They are required to be properly trained and supervised in order to provide safe and effective patient care.

The Ohio Hospital Association’s position on medical assistants

The Ohio Hospital Association (OHA) is committed to ensuring that all medical assistants in Ohio practice within the scope of their training and education. Medical assistants who are properly trained and educated are an important part of the health care team and play a vital role in providing quality patient care.

The OHA believes that medical assistants should be allowed to perform all duties within their scope of practice, including taking patient histories, performing physical examinations, ordering and interpreting laboratory tests, administering medications and injections, and assisting with procedures. Medical assistants should also be allowed to perform administrative duties, such as scheduling appointments and communicating with patients about their care.

The OHA supports the use of medical assistants in all settings where they can provide quality patient care. Medical assistants who are properly trained and educated can make a positive impact on the quality of patient care and the efficiency of the health care system.

The Ohio Academy of Family Physicians’ position on medical assistants

The Ohio Academy of Family Physicians (OAFP) recognizes that medical assistants (MAs) can play an important role in providing quality patient care. The OAFPendorses the utilization of MAs within the physician-led team to the full extent of their education, training, and scope of practice as delineated by state law.

The OAFP believes that MAs should be able to perform routine clinical tasks under the direct supervision of a physician. These tasks may include taking medical histories, recording vital signs, performing basic laboratory tests, administering injections and immunizations, applying dressings and assists with minor office surgery. In addition, MAs should be able to provide patient education and assist with coordination of care.

The OAFP also believes that MAs should have the opportunity to receive additional training and education so they can assume additional responsibilities within the scope of their practice. With additional training and education, MAs can assume expanded roles such as medication management, care coordination, and population health management. The utilization of MAs in these expanded roles can help improve patient access to care, increase efficiency in the delivery of care, and improve the overall quality of patient care.

Conclusion

The Ohio State Board of Nursing recently updated the state’s scope of practice for medical assistants. The most significant change is that medical assistants are now able to perform certain tasks without the direct supervision of a licensed physician. This shift will allow medical assistants to play a more active role in patient care, and it is hoped that it will improve patient outcomes and satisfaction.