Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Health Care & Wellness Committee |
HB 2350
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Defining the administration of medication by medical assistants.
Sponsors: Representatives Cody and Jinkins.
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
Hearing Date: 1/15/16
Staff: Ellie Page (786-7291) and Jim Morishima (786-7191).
Background:
The Department of Health issues four variants of medical assistant credentials, including a medical assistant-certified, medical assistant-registered, medical assistant-phlebotomist and medical assistant-hemodialysis technician. Each type of medical assistant may perform specified duties if delegated by, and under the supervision of, a health care practitioner. Among other duties, a medical assistant-certified and medical assistant-registered may sterilize equipment, take vital signs, and maintain records. All credentialed medical assistants, excluding medical-assistant phlebotomists, may administer some medications. It is the responsibility of the health care practitioner to determine that the delegation of a task is appropriate and is not prohibited by law.
Summary of Bill:
A medical assistant's ability to "administer" medication encompasses both the retrieval and application of medication.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 8, 2016.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.