May Medical Assistants Call in New Prescriptions or Refills to a Pharmacy?

During site visits to physician offices, a question frequently asked is whether medical assistants may call in new prescriptions or refills to a pharmacy. According to the California Medical Association Scope of Practice for Medical Assistants (Business & Professional Code ��2069 et seq.), the answer is as follows:

Medical assistants may not call in new prescriptions or any refill prescriptions that have changes. The physician should view carefully his or her decision to allow medical assistants to perform this task, as the authority to prescribe or refill prescriptions is only granted to licensed physicians and surgeons, podiatrists, or those individuals authorized by law to do so.

Under the direct supervision of the physician or podiatrist, a medical assistant may call in routine refills that are "exact" and have no changes in the dosage levels. The refill must be documented in the patient's chart as a standing order, patient specific.

The Medical Board of California provides the following statement regarding medical assistants: 

"Medical Assistants may only perform basic administrative, clerical, and technical supportive services, as permitted by law, and as an unlicensed person, may not diagnose or treat or perform any task that is invasive or requires assessment."