Medical Assistants and Medications

Adopted from State of Connecticut Interpretive Guidelines for the DMR Regulations Concerning the Administration of Medication by Certified Unlicensed Personnel:

Medical assistant are allowed to administer medications, or hand patients medications for self-adminsistration while under observation when an if, and only if it has been so ordered by their medical doctor*, or other licensed health care professional (*such as a physician's assistant, or an advanced practice registered nurse) only.

Medical assistants can administer only oral, topical, or inhalant medications, suppositories, intradermal, subcutaneous, or intramuscular injections, and medications applied to mucous membranes, such as eyes, nose, mouth, and ears, by various modalities.

Administration means the direct application of a medication by inhalation, ingestion, or any other means to the body of a person, including injection via hypodermic needle.

Proper Training and Supervision

The medical assistant must be under the direct supervision of a physician, or licensed health care provider, and be adequately trained to identify the appropriate medication by size, color, amount, or other label identification!!! They must also know the frequency and dosage for the medication ordered, and administer the medication appropriately while under the direct supervision of the medical doctor. This skill requires training and instruction in...

1. Medical terminology
2. Drug classifications, including controlled substances, dosage, measurement and forms
3. Intended purpose and effects of medication
4. Assessment of drug reactions, including but not limited to, known side effects, interactions and the proper course of action if a side effect occurs
5. Correct and safe techniques of medication administration including, but not limited to, the correct methods to prepare, administer and chart medication
6. Prohibited and dangerous techniques of medication administration
7. Documentation of medication administered to each patient, including but not limited to, evaluation, reporting and recording responses to the medication administered
8. Responsibilities associated with control and storage of medications
9. Available medication reference texts or other written materials
10. Lines of authority and areas of responsibility relative to certified unlicensed personnel, licensed personnel and others
11. State and federal statutes and regulations pertaining to medication.

READ: Medical assistants who administer OTC medications!