Bill from Rep. Matt Marshall aims to streamline health care services
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Bill from Rep. Matt Marshall aims to streamline health care services
Rep. Matt Marshall, R-Eatonville, has introduced a bill that would allow certified medical assistants to do more in health care settings to help speed up essential patient care.
HB 1784 would allow certified medical assistants to enter and approve orders under certain conditions as instructed by a doctor they work for or another supervising health care practitioner.
“As a medical professional I know first-hand how overloaded our health care system is,” said Marshall. “This rule change expands access to vital medical care by qualified professionals for patients who urgently need it while ensuring the quality of care remains the same. This will streamline and help close the gaps in our current system.”
Certified medical assistants must complete annual specialized training to be qualified. Once trained, they can enter and approve orders for referrals, lab tests, prescriptions, and other medical needs as directed by a supervising health care practitioner, who must cosign the order within 72 hours. Certified medical assistants can also enter orders for controlled substances but do not have the authority to approve them.
Medical facilities would have to maintain detailed records of the process subject to review.
The bipartisan bill was introduced this week and has been referred to the House Health Care and Wellness Committee, where it awaits a hearing.
