The bill amends existing laws in Washington State concerning the roles and responsibilities of certified medical assistants, specifically updating sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) related to their duties. It introduces provisions that permit certified medical assistants to enter and activate orders for health care services, including routine immunizations and screening tests, under established protocols from supervising health care practitioners. This is contingent upon the medical assistants receiving appropriate training and ensuring compliance with existing regulations. The bill also clarifies the delegation process for health care tasks, emphasizing that health care practitioners must assess the appropriateness of delegating tasks based on the medical assistants' competence.

Furthermore, the bill updates definitions related to various types of medical assistants and modifies the definition of "supervision" to allow for more flexible oversight. It specifies that while a health care practitioner must be physically present for most procedures, they do not need to be present for certain tasks, such as blood withdrawal or vaccine administration, as long as they are immediately available. Additionally, it allows for supervision through interactive audio and video telemedicine technology during telemedicine visits and for specific medical procedures. These changes aim to enhance the operational framework for medical assistants and improve the efficiency and accessibility of health care services in the state.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 18.360.060
Substitute Bill: 18.360.060