California State Personnel Board Specification
- Schematic Code: TT39
- Class Code: 7374
- Established: 08/11/2016
- Revised: --
- Title Changed: --
Definition
Under the clinical supervision of a licensed physician and surgeon, psychiatrist, or podiatrist, Medical Assistants provide basic medical support to patients with mental or physical disabilities, and to medically ill or infirm patients; and also perform basic administrative and clerical support, as well as other related work. Medical Assistants also work under assigned administrative supervision when working under the clinical supervision of a non-supervisory or managerial physician and surgeon, psychiatrist, or podiatrist.
Typical Tasks
Perform administrative functions and procedures as regulated by certification such as: administer basic life support in emergency situations to patients and staff; use medical equipment safely; administer intradermal, subcutaneous, and intramuscular injections and skin tests; administer eye/ear washes; administer prescribed medications topically, sublingually, and orally; administer basic nebulizer/inhaler breathing treatments; remove casts, splints, sutures, and other external devices; change simple dressings; collect blood via capillary and venipuncture techniques; collect lab specimens using appropriate collection equipment; label specimens appropriately for evaluation; measure vital signs; administer basic vision tests when indicated; conduct Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments-Waived point of care testing for the purpose of determining a patient’s physical condition; demonstrate the use of health care appliances (e.g., canes, crutches, braces); attend to the physical needs of patients in order to ensure comfort; perform therapeutic interventions in order to assist patients in regaining or improving physical/behavioral adaptive skills; explain treatment procedures and medical and mental health instructions; communicate with patients and staff in order to gather information necessary to complete job duties; effectively communicate with patients to complete job duties; effectively communicate with patients with medical and mental health disabilities; identify patients with disabilities in order to ensure reasonable accommodations are provided; schedule medical and mental health appointments; care for patients’ personal property in order to ensure safe storage until it is returned; assist and follow provider orders during medical and mental health examinations and treatments; interview patients to obtain medical and mental health information in order to inform provider; prepare patients for medical examinations; escort patients from the waiting area to examination rooms with and without the assistance of peace officers; observe, document and report clinical symptoms and behavior; record medical and mental health history (e.g., test results, vitals) in the health record; prepare examination rooms with proper instruments and supplies; maintain the confidentiality of patients’ medical and mental health information; practice universal precautions in order to maintain infection controls; identify and report possible security breaches that could lead to escape; identify and report behavior that may signal an impending incident; schedule patients; inventory medical clinic and office supplies; and assist staff in the counting, distribution, and accounting for all utensils to prevent their use as weapons.
Minimum Qualifications
Possession of a valid certificate from an agency approved by the Department of Consumer Affairs, Medical Board of California to practice as a Medical Assistant.
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of: Fundamentals of medical assisting including administration; medical and mental health procedures and techniques involved with patient care; principals used when caring for individuals who are immobile; medical and mental health terminology; and general clinical routines; knowledge of proper use of medical and office equipment, including various generic software.
For incumbents at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation: All of the above, and general correctional facility routines.
Ability to: Apply Medical Assistant procedures as regulated by certification; observe and document symptoms and behavior; maintain accurate records and prepare reports; gain the respect and cooperation of patients; work effectively with patients and the interdisciplinary treatment team; function effectively in an emergency situation; and practice universal precautions.
Special Personal Characteristics
Must demonstrate emotional stability, patience, tact, and alertness.
For incumbents at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation: All of the above, and willingness to treat patients in a correctional facility in a professional, ethical and thoughtful manner; follow institutional safety and security policies; work around peace officers armed with chemical agents/weapons; undergo random drug testing and annual tuberculosis screening.
Special Physical Characteristics
Incumbents appointed to these positions must possess and maintain sufficient strength, agility, and endurance to perform during physically, mentally, and emotionally difficult emergency situations without endangering their health and well-being, or that of their fellow employees, patients, inmates, or the public.
Incumbents at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation will have substantial contact and responsibility for penal code offenders and requires the ability to respond to emergencies and protect the public.
