Bill > S05340

This bill allows medical assistants, who are unlicensed direct-care employees at least eighteen years old with acceptable educational pathways and who perform various clinical tasks, to administer immunizations (vaccines) in outpatient office settings. This is permitted when they are directly supervised by a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant, and they must receive appropriate training and supervision as determined by the commissioner of health in consultation with the commissioner of education. The bill also clarifies that certified nurse practitioners can delegate this task to medical assistants, but it is considered professional misconduct to delegate responsibilities to someone unqualified. The vaccinations administered must be recommended by the commissioner of health, following generally accepted medical standards and considering recommendations from various recognized medical organizations.