Online Medical Assistant Program

In most states, medical assistants’ scope of practice includes things like taking vital signs and other basic clinical tasks. However, the laws in each state vary slightly.

Below, you can see the scope of practice for medical assistants under Michigan law. All of these tasks must be done under the supervision of a healthcare provider licensed in the state of Michigan.

What Medical Assistants Can Do in Michigan

Medical assistants in Michigan can do the following tasks:

• Measure vital signs
• Perform electrocardiography
• Perform venipuncture
• Perform pulmonary function testing
• Calculate proper dosages of medication for administration
• Administer oral and parenteral (excluding IV) medications
• Obtain specimens and perform CLIA-waived tests
• Perform wound care
• Perform dressing changes

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Medical assistants in Michigan can receive and communicate information electronically for licensed providers as long as they avoid making independent clinical judgments and assessments.

In addition, medical assistants usually perform some administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments, managing patient records, performing medical billing and coding, and more. 

What Medical Assistants Cannot Do in Michigan

Medical assistants in Michigan are unlicensed individuals who work under the supervision of a physician or other licensed healthcare provider. Generally speaking, they are prohibited from examining, diagnosing, or treating patients.

Here are some specific tasks that medical assistants are not allowed to do:

• Medical assistants cannot be asked to perform any task that requires independent clinical judgment or the making of clinical assessments, evaluations, or interpretations.
• Medical assistants cannot be asked to perform any task reserved exclusively in Michigan law for other, often licensed, health professionals.

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Common Medical Assistant Responsibilities in Michigan

Medical assistants typically perform a variety of clinical and administrative duties. These are common examples of the responsibilities medical assistants have in Michigan.

Administrative duties may include:

• Using computer applications
• Answering telephones
• Greeting patients
• Updating and filing patient medical records
• Coding and filling out insurance forms
• Scheduling appointments
• Arranging for hospital admissions and laboratory services
• Handling correspondence, billing, and bookkeeping

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Clinical duties may include:

• Taking medical histories
• Explaining treatment procedures to patients
• Assisting the physician during examinations
• Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens
• Performing basic laboratory tests
• Instructing patients about medications and special diets
• Preparing and administering medications as directed by a physician
• Authorizing prescription refills as directed
• Drawing blood
• Taking electrocardiograms
• Removing sutures and changing dressings
• Maintaining inventory