Legal/Ethical Boundaries
Legal/Ethical Boundaries of a Medical Assistant
AAMA Medical Assistant Code of Ethics
The Code of Ethics is a set of principles of moral and ethical conduct as they relate to the medical profession. There are five sections of the Code of Ethics.
“Render services with full respect for the dignity of humanity.” A medical assistant will perform job duties with respect to the patient, life and rights as a human being. Holding the medical assistant to a higher standard, where he/she does not perform unnecessary procedures.
“Respect confidential information obtained through employment unless legally authorized or required by responsible performance of duty to divulge such information.” Any and all information the medical assistant learns about a patient in the course of assisting them, unless the patient legally authorizes the medical assistant to share their medical information, the medical assistant must keep the information confidential.
“Uphold the honor and high principles of the profession and accept its disciplines.” The medical assistant will abide by all legal and ethical rules as well as all other expectations of the job and give their best job performance.
“Seek to continually improve the knowledge and skills of medical assistants for the benefits of patients and professional colleagues.” The medical assistant agrees to continually strive to obtain more knowledge and grow in skill levels to benefit patients and help better assist colleagues.
“Participate in additional service activities aimed toward improving the health and well-being of the community.” A medical assistant should strive to be active in the community. Participating in community events where the medical assistant could share knowledge on health practices with others.
Obtaining Certification through the AAMA
Step 1) Find out if you are eligible by reviewing the CMA (AAMA) Certification/Recertification Exam Eligibility categories to see if you qualify to take the exam.
Step 2)
AAMA Medical Assistant Code of Ethics
The Code of Ethics is a set of principles of moral and ethical conduct as they relate to the medical profession. There are five sections of the Code of Ethics.
“Render services with full respect for the dignity of humanity.” A medical assistant will perform job duties with respect to the patient, life and rights as a human being. Holding the medical assistant to a higher standard, where he/she does not perform unnecessary procedures.
“Respect confidential information obtained through employment unless legally authorized or required by responsible performance of duty to divulge such information.” Any and all information the medical assistant learns about a patient in the course of assisting them, unless the patient legally authorizes the medical assistant to share their medical information, the medical assistant must keep the information confidential.
“Uphold the honor and high principles of the profession and accept its disciplines.” The medical assistant will abide by all legal and ethical rules as well as all other expectations of the job and give their best job performance.
“Seek to continually improve the knowledge and skills of medical assistants for the benefits of patients and professional colleagues.” The medical assistant agrees to continually strive to obtain more knowledge and grow in skill levels to benefit patients and help better assist colleagues.
“Participate in additional service activities aimed toward improving the health and well-being of the community.” A medical assistant should strive to be active in the community. Participating in community events where the medical assistant could share knowledge on health practices with others.
Obtaining Certification through the AAMA
Step 1) Find out if you are eligible by reviewing the CMA (AAMA) Certification/Recertification Exam Eligibility categories to see if you qualify to take the exam.
Step 2)
References: American Association of Medical Assistant (AAMA). (1996-2013). Medical assistant code of ethics. Retrieved from http://www.aama-ntl.org/about/code_creed.aspx. Wisconsin Society of Medical Assistants (WSMA). (n.d.). Scope of practice. Retrieved from http://www.wsma.net/pView.aspx?id=2029&catid=27.