^{By Donald A. Balasa, JD, MBA
Originally published May 28, 2025}

I recently received the following request:

[I am] reaching out to clarify whether performing inhaler use training and education to patients falls under the CMA (AAMA) scope of practice.

This task would be ordered and billed by a rendering provider in the context of an office visit.

To answer this question, see my summary of Michigan medical assisting law I provided for the Michigan Society of Medical Assistants. I find nothing in Michigan law that would forbid physicians from delegating to knowledgeable and competent unlicensed personnel such as medical assistants the educating of patients on inhaler use.

I suggest that someone ask the malpractice insurance carrier for the health system whether it would cover any negligence by a medical assistant in performing this task. That would provide you further guidance on whether this task may be delegated to medical assistants.

Note the following excerpt from another document I wrote on legal principles generally applicable in all American jurisdictions, including Michigan: 

It is my legal opinion that it is permissible for providers to delegate to knowledgeable and competent unlicensed professionals such as medical assistants working under their authority and direction in outpatient settings the providing of patient education as long as (a) the content of such education has been approved by the delegating provider and (b) the medical assistant is not permitted to exercise independent clinical judgment or to make clinical assessments or evaluations during the education process.

My legal opinion is that this would apply to the educating of patients on inhaler use under Michigan law.