Medical Assistants Are Not Nurses

Medical assistants and other unlicensed, non-nurse personnel should never call themselves “nurses,” even generically. State laws prohibit anyone without a valid nursing license from using “nurse” or other variations of this title.

Violators can face criminal prosecution and regulatory action. Unlicensed personnel who exaggerate the extent of their education and training may also be inclined to act outside their scope of practice, subjecting their supervisor and the practice to civil liability or licensing board disciplinary action. To mitigate risk, employers and supervisors should closely monitor the activities of unlicensed staff.

Statutory Prohibitions and Penalties by State for Misuse of the Term “Nurse”

Risk Mitigation Checklist

✓ Educate unlicensed staff about the consequences of misrepresenting their education and training. Incorporate this information into a written medical assistant job description and monitor for compliance.

✓ Educate practice employees not to use the term “nurse” when referring to an unlicensed staff member.

✓ Gently but immediately correct patients and other visitors who refer to unlicensed staff as “nurse.”

✓ Do not allow medical assistants to misrepresent their certification. For example, only medical assistants certified by the American Association of Medical Assistants (“AAMA”) can use the designation “CMA.” The Certifying Board of the AAMA receives complaints against medical assistants unlawfully using the CMA credential and takes appropriate action.

✓ Supervisors should closely monitor unlicensed personnel to ensure they adhere to their scope of practice.

✓ Have staff wear name tags that inform patients of their name and job title.

Read More on How to Minimize Your Risk When Supervising Medical Assistants and Unlicensed Staff Based on State

Arizona

Utah

Nevada