Connecticut House Bill HB05748

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/19
• Refer: 1/22/19

Caption

An Act Allowing Medical Assistants To Administer A Vaccine.

Impact

The passage of HB 5748 is poised to have significant implications for the healthcare landscape. Enabling medical assistants to administer vaccines can alleviate some of the burdens on physicians and healthcare facilities, particularly in vaccine distribution and administration efforts. This legislative change may lead to increased vaccination rates, contributing to communal health benefits and potentially mitigating public health crises. Additionally, it could streamline workflows within healthcare settings, as certified medical assistants can support vaccination efforts more directly.

Summary

House Bill 5748 seeks to amend existing statutes to allow certified medical assistants to administer vaccines to individuals aged eighteen and older, provided they are under the supervision of a licensed physician. This initiative is designed to enhance the ability of healthcare providers to deliver vaccinations, facilitating more efficient healthcare services and improving public health outcomes. By enabling medical assistants to take on these responsibilities, the bill addresses the growing need for accessible vaccination services, especially in light of public health concerns.

Contention

While supporters of HB 5748 argue that it increases access to vaccinations and optimizes workforce utilization in healthcare, there may be concerns regarding patient safety and the qualifications of medical assistants. Critics could raise questions about the level of training required for medical assistants to effectively administer vaccines, and whether oversight from physicians is sufficiently robust to ensure the safe administration of vaccines. These discussions may reflect broader debates about the scope of practice for non-physician healthcare providers and the balance between accessibility and safety in public health measures.