How to Transition From Medical Assistant to Registered Nurse
April 24, 2024Can Medical Assistants Start IVs?
In Florida, medical assistants can perform IV infusion therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed physician. However, the medical or physician assistant, must demonstrate competence in all aspects of IV infusion, and the physician must provide written verification of this. This article will also explore similar regulations in other states to provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
Are there legal requirements to start performing IVs?
In Florida, there are many tasks medical assistants can and cannot do. For example, medical assistants cannot start IVs without the direct supervision of a licensed physician. The physician must be present in the office at all times during IV therapy performed by the medical assistant.
Additionally, the nurse practitioner medical assistant must demonstrate competence in IV infusion, verified in writing by the medical assistant and the physician, who should also periodically verify their competence.
Medical assistants cannot start or disconnect IV’s or administer injections or medication into an IV.
States where medical assistants can start IVs
One question that frequently arises is whether medical assistants are allowed to start intravenous (IV) lines. While regulations regarding this practice vary from state to state, there are states where medical assistants can start IVs under certain conditions.
In most states, with no clear prohibition, medical assistants can start IVs. These states include:
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Vermont
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
States where medical assistants can’t start IVs
In several states, including Florida, New York, New Jersey, Mississippi, Alaska, Connecticut, California, and Texas, medical assistants are prohibited from initiating intravenous (IV) procedures.
These states have established regulations that restrict the scope of practice for medical assistants in this regard.
What special training would a medical assistant need to start IVs?
A certified medical assistant can perform several tasks related to intravenous (IV) procedures under direct visual supervision, including IV placement, IV removal, and administration of specific medications, provided these tasks meet delegation requirements. However, starting an IV falls outside the scope of practice for most other medical assistant professions.
For information on the various settings for healthcare workers where medical assistants can practice their skills, please refer to our guide on "Places Medical Assistants Can Work." This resource provides insights into the diverse range of healthcare facilities and environments where medical assistants are employed, helping individuals explore potential career paths.
Can medical assistants start IVs in all healthcare settings?
A certified medical assistant can perform several tasks related to intravenous (IV) procedures under direct visual supervision, including IV placement, IV removal, and administration of specific medications, provided these tasks meet delegation requirements. However, starting an IV falls outside the scope of practice for most other medical assistant professions.
For information on the various settings where medical assistants can practice their skills, please refer to our guide on "Places Medical Assistants Can Work." This resource provides insights into the diverse range of healthcare environments where medical assistants are employed, helping individuals explore potential career paths.
Was this article helpful?
