What should a Medical Assistant do if they are asked to perform a procedure outside their scope of practice?

A Medical Assistant must prioritize patient safety, legal compliance, and ethical standards in their practice. If a Medical Assistant is asked to perform a procedure outside their scope of practice, the appropriate course of action is to politely decline and inform the supervising healthcare provider about the situation. This response ensures that the Medical Assistant is not risking patient safety by performing a task for which they are not trained or legally allowed to do. It also shows professionalism and respect for the established protocols that are in place to protect both the patient and the healthcare team.

Choosing to decline allows for open communication with the supervising provider, who can then assign someone qualified to perform the task. This fosters a safe and compliant working environment. Additionally, this action reflects an understanding of one's professional boundaries, which is crucial in maintaining trust and accountability in healthcare settings.

The other options suggest actions that either risk patient safety, conflict with ethical practices, or compromise legal responsibilities by proceeding with tasks that exceed the Medical Assistant's training and scope. Seeking help from a colleague or performing the task to avoid conflict could lead to negative consequences both for the patient and the Medical Assistant's career.