The role of professional organization and ethics in healthcare careers
Your projects in this course will take you through "A Day in the Life" of a healthcare professional. You will be given the opportunity to apply the concepts that you have learned throughout the course to a variety of situations that a healthcare professional might face. This week you will take a look at ethical standards in accordance with applicable certification agencies. In addition to the grading standards found in the Syllabus, projects will also be graded on accuracy and application of course materials. Each answer should be at least 1 paragraph in length, include supporting facts from references. Read the case study below Respond to the questions that correspond to the scenario Each question should be answered in complete sentences, using correct sentence structure.
Paper For Above instruction
The case study presents a recent graduate with a health-related degree contemplating entering the professional workforce as a Medical Assistant. A key step in this process is joining a professional organization, which offers numerous benefits such as networking opportunities, continuing education, and validation of professional standards. The primary professional organization for Medical Assistants is the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Membership in such an organization can provide valuable resources and support throughout one's career, fostering ethical practice and professional development.
The professional Code of Ethics plays a crucial role in guiding healthcare practitioners' decision-making processes. It establishes foundational principles such as patient confidentiality, professional integrity, and commitment to quality care. Adhering to these ethical standards ensures that practitioners maintain high levels of professionalism, which benefits both patients and the healthcare system at large. For Medical Assistants, many certifying bodies offer credentialing exams that validate their skills and knowledge. The certification offered by the AAMA is the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential, which is earned after passing the CMA exam and demonstrates a standardized level of competency.
The scope of practice refers to the procedures, actions, and processes that a healthcare professional is authorized to perform within their license and certification. It is determined by federal and state laws, licensing boards, and the policies of healthcare institutions. These regulations delineate what tasks a Medical Assistant can perform, ensuring patient safety and professional accountability. Any deviation beyond the scope of practice can lead to legal repercussions, professional discipline, or loss of
certification.
According to the AAMA's Code of Ethics, professionalism encompasses several core standards, including maintaining confidentiality, providing competent care, and acting with integrity. Confidentiality involves safeguarding patient information to uphold trust; competence ensures that practitioners possess the necessary skills and knowledge; and acting with integrity involves honesty and accountability in all professional interactions. Violating these standards can result in serious consequences, such as disciplinary action, loss of certification, or legal penalties, which can damage a healthcare professional’s reputation and career prospects.
References
American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). (2020). Code of Ethics. Retrieved from https://www.aama-ntl.org/about-aama/code-of-ethics
Bleicher, J. (2019). Medical assisting: Administrative and clinical procedures. Elsevier.
Harper, P. (2021). Ethics and law in health services. SAGE Publications.
National Healthcareer Association (NHA). (2021). Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential. Retrieved from https://www.nha.org
American Medical Association (AMA). (2020). Principles of Medical Ethics. Retrieved from https://www.ama-assn.org
O’Neill, S. (2018). Medical assisting today. Pearson.
Bell, S. (2022). Professional ethics in healthcare. Healthcare Ethics Committee. Journal of Healthcare Ethics, 6(3), 45-60.
American Medical Technologists (AMT). (2021). Certification requirements and standards. Retrieved from https://www.americanmedtech.org
Glen, J., & Cheung, C. (2020). Scope of practice and healthcare regulation. Journal of Medical Regulation, 106(2), 15-22.
Williams, R. (2019). Maintaining professionalism in healthcare: Standards and guidelines. New York: Springer Publishing.