Medical assistants work under the supervision of a licensed physician, and perform many administrative and clinical tasks. Though medical assistants do not have the same training as physicians or nurses, they play an important role in every medical office, hospital, and clinic.
Each state has a scope of practice for what medical assistants can and cannot do. You might be wondering if medical assistants are allowed to administer medication in California. The answer is they can administer certain medications with a physician’s supervision, under specific conditions, as long as all required criteria are met. There are also certain types of medications and treatments that medical assistants are restricted from administering, which we will explain in this article.
How Does the Medical Board of California Define “administering medications”?
When clarifying if a medical assistant or any medical professional can “administer medications” this refers to the direct application of medication by simple injection, inhalation, or ingestion, or by pre-measured doses.
For medical assistants in particular, “administering medications” refers the MA injecting, handling, or providing medications to a patient after a physician, podiatrist, or other person licensed to practice medicine has verified the correct dosage and amount.
Note: Medical assistants are not allowed to set the dosage amount by themselves. This must be done by a physician or other licensed medical practitioner.
Can Medical Assistants Give Patients Medications?
Yes, medical assistants can give patients medications if these conditions are met:
1. The type of medication and dosage amount has been approved and verified by a physician or nurse practitioner.
2, The doctor or nurse practitioner is on the premises at that time.
Medical assistants work under the supervision of a licensed physician, nurse practitioner, or other healthcare professionals licensed to practice medicine.
The medical assistant may also explain medications to patients if they are relaying a doctor’s explanation.
Are Medical Assistants Allow to Inject Scheduled Drugs?
If certain conditions are met, a medical assistant may inject scheduled drugs, under the supervision of a licensed physician. The qualifying criteria are:
1. The medical assistant has successfully completed the appropriate training, has undergone the appropriate training, which includes all the following:
- 10 hours of training in venipuncture and skin puncture for drawing blood;
- 10 hours of training in administering injections and performing skin tests;
- At least 10 of each intramuscular, subcutaneous, and intradermal injections and 10 skin tests, and/or at least 10 venipuncture and 10 skin punctures;
- 10 hours of training in administering medical by inhalation;
- Patient anatomy and physiology, equipment, injection technique, sterilization procedures, patient care post-injection, treatment or tests; potential hazards, emergency procedures, California regulations for medical assistants.
2. The attending physician has verified the medication, dosage, and amount of the dose for the patient.
3. The supervising physician must be on the premises as the injection is taking place.
Note: Medical assistants cannot administer anesthesia. All anesthetic agents must be administered by a physician or other authorized licensed medical practitioners.
Are Medical Assistants Allowed to Administer Injections Into an IV?
Medical assistants cannot inject medications into an IV, and also they cannot start or disconnect a patient IV. These are invasive procedures and not within their scope of allowed duties.
Can Medical Assistants Prescribe Medication?
No, medical assistants cannot prescribe medications.
Diagnosing a patient, creating a treatment plan, and writing a prescription are all things that a physician can do, but a medical assistant is not allowed to do. Only health professionals who are licensed to practice medicine can write a prescription. This includes physicians, advanced nurse practitioners, and physicians assistants.
Medical assistants may call in a refill for a prescription to the pharmacy on behalf of a physician, as long as the original prescription is unaltered, and the dosage and medication is unchanged. A medical assistant may also relay instructions from the doctor to the patient for a medication treatment plan.
Do Medical Assistants Need to Be Certified to Do Tasks Within Their Scope of Practice?
The State of California does not require medical assistants to be licensed or certified to perform their duties, however the malpractice insurance for their supervising medical office or supervising physician may require it. In most cases, insurance carriers require anyone performing clinical duties to be certified in formal training by a Board-recognized certifying body.
Become a Medical Assistant in About 36 Weeks at Campus Sacramento
If you want to start your career in healthcare and become a certified medical assistant, Campus Sacramento, formerly MTI College, has a great Medical Assisting training program that will give you the skills and certification you need to start your medical assisting career. In about 36 weeks, you’ll be ready to work in a medical office as a medical assistant. Most of the coursework is online, with some required in-person hands-on training days in the classroom. We also offer a Medical Assistant with Phlebotomy certification program that takes about 48 weeks to complete. If you have any questions about start dates, financial aid, or job placement, contact our Admissions team or call 888-675-2460.