Medical Assistants and Medical Malpractice

Despite having limited duties with regards to patients, medical malpractice can still occur as a result of a medical assistant’s actions.

When undergoing a medical procedure, a patient comes into contact with medical professionals of various education, skill, and experience levels. From medical assistants to attending physicians, all medical practitioners are subject to potential medical malpractice. Today, we’ll focus on medical assistants and how to prevent instances of medical malpractice within their jurisdiction.

At first glance, it might be challenging to differentiate between a medical assistant and a registered nurse. A registered nurse and a medical assistant both administer primary patient care such as hygiene, change of bedding, and dietary requirements. However, medical assistants do not require as much training and education as registered nurses. Medical assistants are typically assigned a variety of responsibilities including patient care and administrative duties, while nurses focus on patient care and include a minimal amount of administrative duties. Another important thing that separates the two professions: while medical assistants can only perform the type of care expressed directly by the physician, nurses are trained to write patient care plans . This extra training and responsibility opens the door for potential medical malpractice and negligence by nurses that is not ordinarily possible for medical assistants.

Despite having only limited duties with regards to patients, medical malpractice can still occur as a result of a medical assistant’s actions. Firstly, it is worth noting that medical assistants are cheaper to hire than registered nurses and, therefore, are often overused in place of nurses. This can lead to unauthorized medical personnel administering patient care they are unqualified to give. With this in mind, medical assistants should remember it is not their job to provide medical advice, and if prompted by a patient, always refer them to the proper medical staff. 

Additionally, medical assistant’s administrative rolls should not be undervalued. Entering patient information correctly is important, because that information is relied upon by nurses and doctors who refer back to the patient’s data. Not taking this aspect of the job seriously can result in dangerous consequences for the patient, such as medication errors or wrongful hospital discharge .

Do you believe that you or your loved one has suffered as a result of medical malpractice or medical neglect? You need to talk to an experienced team of local lawyers today.

The lawyers at Cardaro & Peek, LLC have the experience and resources necessary to investigate and litigate all types of medical claims throughout Maryland and Washington D.C. Cardaro & Peek, LLC has medical personnel on staff and has access to nationally recognized, board-certified physicians and other experts, to assist in the investigation, analysis, and prosecution of all types of medical malpractice claims. If you or a loved one have experienced malpractice, give us a call at 410-752-6166. Please visit our website www.cardarolaw.com and follow us on Facebook , Twitter , and LinkedIn for more information.

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