Texas Medical Assistant Certification Practice Test

A medical assistant may be asked to prescribe a patient medication dosage, if the physician is too busy.

1. True

2. False

The correct answer is: False

In the context of medical practice, medical assistants are not authorized to prescribe medication or determine medication dosages for patients. Prescribing medications is a responsibility that is legally designated to licensed healthcare providers, such as physicians, physician assistants, or nurse practitioners. While medical assistants play a vital role in the healthcare team, their functions are limited to administrative tasks, clinical support, and assisting with patient care under the supervision of licensed professionals. Allowing a medical assistant to prescribe medication would not only violate their scope of practice but could also pose significant risks to patient safety. Proper assessment, diagnosis, and prescribing decisions require comprehensive medical training and knowledge, which medical assistants do not possess. Therefore, the assertion that a medical assistant may prescribe medication is incorrect.