What is a CMA? A CMA works directly with patients in settings like outpatient clinics, doctor's offices, and primary or specialty care. This role involves collecting and documenting patient history information, taking vital signs, and preparing patients for an exam by a provider.
What can a CMA not do?
Medical assistants are not allowed to perform such invasive procedures as:
- placing the needle or starting and disconnecting the infusion tube of an IV.
- administering medications or injections into the IV line.
- charting the pupillary responses.
- inserting a urine catheter.
- independently performing telephone triage.
Can a CMA do injections?
Medical assistants cannot start or disconnect IV's or administer injections or medication into an IV. These procedures are considered invasive, and therefore, not within the medical assistant's scope of practice.
