Medical assistants have a set range of responsibilities, but there are certain tasks they are not allowed to carry out. If they exceed their bounds and participate in an unauthorized activity — for instance, dispensing medical advice — they could not only cause harm to a patient, but also make the employer liable for damages.

Laws change from state to state, but in general, medical assistants do not:

• Interpret data, make assessments or diagnose symptoms.
• Prescribe medications or refill prescription requests.
• Dispense medication samples.
• Perform triage.
• Operate laser equipment.
• Inject medications, unless permitted by state law.
• Administer or discontinue IVs, unless permitted by state law.
• Administer an anesthetic agent, except topical numbing agents.
• Perform tests that involve the penetration of human tissues, except skin tests and drawing blood.

Some of these activities may be permissible in conjunction with a qualified medical professional. Check your state’s laws and verify your responsibilities with your employer before you begin work as a medical assistant.

To see a list of the tasks medical assistants DO carry out, see our general medical assistant job description.