Op-Ed | Open the door to better care by expanding scope of practice | amNewYork

"Every day in our health centers, we see the same reality: patients waiting too long for routine care and clinicians stretched too thin to meet demand. New York's health care workforce shortage is no longer theoretical. It is happening in exam rooms, vaccine clinics and community health centers across our state."

"Currently, New York State is the only state in the nation that does not allow medical assistants to perform certain types of vaccinations. Most recently, during the COVID-19 public health emergency the scope of practice of certain unlicensed medical professionals was temporarily expanded to allow them to administer the COVID vaccine when New Yorkers needed it most."

"By allowing medical assistants to administer vaccinations, we can more effectively and efficiently serve our patients. This will also alleviate an unnecessary cost burden by having appropriately trained staff provide this vital service."

"Research has shown that expanded training for medical assistants has increased job satisfaction. It's reasonable to conclude that if you like your job, you're more likely to stay. Moreover, medical assisting is an accessible and cost-effective entry point into the healthcare workforce."

New York faces a critical healthcare workforce shortage affecting patient care across health centers and clinics. Medical assistants, essential members of care teams, are currently restricted from administering vaccinations in New York—the only state with this limitation. Expanding their scope of practice would provide immediate relief to overburdened providers, improve patient access to timely care, and reduce costs. During COVID-19, temporary scope expansions proved effective. Research demonstrates that expanded training increases job satisfaction and retention among medical assistants. Removing unnecessary restrictions on trained healthcare workers addresses workforce challenges while maintaining proper supervision and quality care standards.

Read at www.amny.com