There is no requirement for medical assistant certification in Texas, though obtaining certification may increase your employability. The Texas state legislature and the Texas Medical Board do not strictly define the functions of medical assistants. As in many states, the official authority to delegate medical care responsibilities in Texas rests with licensed physicians and nurse practitioners. Sec. 157.001 of the Texas Occupations Code loosely defines appropriate tasks for MAs as, “Any medical act that a reasonable and prudent physician would find within the scope of sound medical judgement to delegate.” Physicians must be certain, however, with each task delegated that:
- Patient care is safely and properly performed
- The physician remains responsible for the medical task assigned and the MA performing it
- The decision to delegate does not stand against any existing statute and would be upheld in the event of a medical board review
For additional information on medical assistant certification in Texas and to explore medical assistant Texas salary data, please read on.