The federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) sets high standards for patient privacy. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services rules and regulations stemming from HIPAA require all medical providers to comply with strict protocols designed to protect patient information. Because MAs handle patient files, specimens and blood, they need to be familiar with the intricate set of procedures necessary to comply with HIPAA. Seminars on HIPAA can cover electronic data, paper documentation, handling of prescriptions, interpersonal conversation rules and even guidelines on how to use office sign-in sheets.
MAs spend a lot of time interacting with patients and parents. Often, MAs are the first people patients contact when they call or arrive in a clinic. The impression an MA makes impacts the way patients perceive a clinic and their experience. As a result, MAs can benefit from training on customer service and patient communication techniques. MAs can make patients feel welcome, safe and informed by being patient-centric and becoming adept communicators.
Clinics and medical facilities throughout America are becoming increasingly computerized. In many cases, they are transitioning or have recently transitioned to electronic medical records. Upgrades in technology necessitate upgrades in computer knowledge and skills. MAs work extensively with patient records and data entry; therefore, seminars that train MAs on information systems and medical record keeping are very useful.
When MAs draw blood and handle specimens, they come into contact with hazardous biological materials. They must understand the importance of safely handling needles, syringes, vials and containers. Additionally, they need to know what to do in case of accidents such as dropping a vial of blood or sticking themselves with a needle. It's also important for MAs to have a working knowledge of infection control, including an understanding of bloodborne pathogens. While they study much of this in their MA coursework, refreshers are important. Information, techniques and approaches also change over time, so MAs need to stay abreast.