This bill proposes to amend current statutes regarding the scope of practice for medical assistants in Arizona. Under the new provisions, a medical assistant may place and remove urinary catheters after appropriate training and under the general supervision of a physician, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse midwife, or physician assistant. This expands the responsibilities of medical assistants beyond their current limitations, which only allow them to perform certain tasks under direct supervision or as prescribed by the Arizona Medical Board. Additionally, the bill introduces a definition for "general supervision," clarifying that it involves procedures provided under the overall direction of a licensed practitioner without their physical presence during the procedure. The bill also makes conforming changes to existing language, ensuring that the updated definitions and responsibilities align with the current legal framework. Overall, these changes aim to enhance the capabilities of medical assistants while maintaining necessary oversight by licensed healthcare professionals.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 32-1456
House Engrossed Version: 32-1456
Chaptered Version: 32-1456