What are the consequences of a medical assistant that preforms activitives not included in legal scope practice?

The consequences of a medical assistant performing activities not included in their legal scope of practice can be significant and far-reaching. Below are some potential consequences:

Patient harm: Medical assistants are not trained to perform certain procedures or tasks, and attempting to do so can result in patient harm. This could include misdiagnoses, improper treatments, or even life-threatening complications.

Legal liability: Medical assistants who perform activities outside of their scope of practice can be held legally liable for any harm that results from their actions. This could lead to lawsuits, fines, or even criminal charges.

Damage to the reputation of the healthcare facility: When a medical assistant performs activities outside of their scope of practice, it can damage the reputation of the healthcare facility where they work. Patients may lose trust in the facility and seek care elsewhere, which can result in financial losses.

Employment consequences: Medical assistants who perform activities outside of their scope of practice may face disciplinary action from their employer, up to and including termination of employment.

Regulatory sanctions: Healthcare facilities that allow medical assistants to perform activities outside of their scope of practice may face sanctions from regulatory bodies, such as the state medical board or the Joint Commission. These sanctions can include fines, probation, or even loss of accreditation.

To ensure patient safety and compliance with regulations, it is essential for medical assistants to only perform activities that are within their legal scope of practice. Medical assistants should receive proper training, supervision, and support to ensure that they are competent to perform their duties safely and effectively.