In: Nursing
Medical assistants are those who are trained in both clinical and administrative functions, so they can able to do the work of two staff members. They can help in managing patients at the front desk, billing functions, and some clinical care also.
No one determines the scope of medical assistants, only some states like California regulated Medical assistants and determined scope of practice, but truly the profession is under monitored by any sort of government agency.
As no strict regulations and scope of practice, medical assistants are confused about what they can do and cannot do, So many clinical practices, hospitals not interested to take them because of this confusion.
As there is no unified scope of practice guidelines by The state medical board for medical assistants, each state has its own regulations regarding the duties of a medical assistant.
This different regulation for each state makes difficult for any professional who wants to cross state lines. It is also difficult for the regulation of education, because it varies from state to state; schools have to teach a broad amount of regulations for each state. Conduct certain classes towards the particular state the student is in.
If there is a strict scope of practice for medical assistants, it is easy for them to work in hospitals and clinical practices as they know what they should do. This is also prevents the misuse of medical assistants in hospitals. Also easy for education regulation, they can train students effetely for their profession, and they become more in demand in doctor's offices, hospitals, and clinics.