National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) Medical Assistant Practice Test

Which document outlines a medical assistant's scope of practice?

1. Patient Consent Form

2. Job Description

3. Code of Ethics

4. State Licensure Regulations

The correct answer is: State Licensure Regulations

The document that outlines a medical assistant's scope of practice is the state licensure regulations. These regulations are established by state governments and define what medical assistants are legally permitted to do within that state. They include specific tasks, responsibilities, and limitations based on the level of training and certification a medical assistant has attained. These regulations ensure that medical assistants operate within a framework that promotes patient safety and adheres to legal standards. In contrast, a patient consent form primarily focuses on obtaining permission from patients for medical procedures and does not detail the operational guidelines for medical assistants. A job description provides a summary of duties and responsibilities specific to a particular employment role, which may vary between jobs and does not reflect the broader legal scope of practice defined by state law. Meanwhile, the code of ethics serves as a guideline for professional conduct and ethical behavior but does not dictate the legal parameters of a medical assistant's professional roles and responsibilities.