Publications

There has been growing interest in expansion of the role of medical assistants (MAs) in community clinics, where their utilization has increased in recent years. Ten clinics identified as using MAs in an expanded capacity were studied for this brief. Innovative roles typically involved the development of new clinical or administrative duties within the medical assistant scope of practice, and were cited as improving clinic operations and worker satisfaction. However, financial, training, and cultural barriers were stated as challenges to implementing these new roles.