R4-19-509. Delegation to Medical Assistants

A. Under A.R.S. §§ 32-1456 and 32-1601(20), an RNP may delegate patient care to a medical assistant in an office or outpatient setting. The RNP shall verify that a medical assistant to whom the RNP delegates meets at least one of the following qualifications: 1. Completed an approved medical assistant training program as defined in A.A.C. R4-16-101(3); 2. If a graduate of an unapproved medical assistant training program, passed the medical assistant examination administered by either the American Association of Medical Assistants or the American Medical Technologists; 3. Completed an unapproved medical assistant training program and was employed as a medical assistant on a continuous basis since completion of the program before February 2, 2000; 4. Was directly supervised by the same registered nurse practitioner for at least 2000 hours before February 2, 2000; or 5. Completed a medical services training program of the Armed Forces of the United States. B. An RNP may delegate the following acts to a medical assistant who is under the direct supervision of the RNP and demonstrates competency in the performance of the act: 1. Obtain vital signs; 2. Perform venipuncture and draw blood; 3. Perform capillary puncture; 4. Perform pulmonary function testing; 5. Perform electrocardiography; 6. Perform patient screening using established protocols; 7. Perform dosage calculations as applicable to written orders; 8. Apply pharmacology principles to prepare and administer oral, inhalant, topical, otic, optic, rectal, vaginal and parenteral medications (excluding intravenous medications); 9. Maintain medication and immunization records; 10. Assist provider with patient care; 11. Perform Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) waived hematology, chemistry, urinalysis, microbiological and immunology testing; 12. Screen test results; 13. Obtain specimens for microbiological testing; 14. Obtain patient history; 15. Instruct patients according to their needs to promote health maintenance and disease prevention; 16. Prepare a patient for procedures or treatments; 17. Document patient care and education; 18. Perform first aid procedures; 19. Perform whirlpool treatments; 20. Perform diathermy treatments; 21. Perform electronic galvation stimulation treatments; 22. Perform ultrasound therapy; 23. Perform massage therapy (subject to regulation by massage therapy board); 24. Apply traction treatments; 25. Apply Transcutaneous Nerve Stimulation unit treatments; 26. Apply hot and cold pack treatments; and 27. Administer small volume nebulizer treatments.