Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)

The Certified Medication Aide (CMA) assists with medication administration and resident care in the long-term care setting under the supervision of a licensed nurse. The CMA promotes resident safety, dignity, comfort, and independence while following provider orders, facility policies, and applicable state requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Medication Administration

• Administer medications permitted by the employee’s certification and applicable state requirements under licensed nurse supervision.

• Follow medication administration procedures, including verification of the correct resident, medication, dose, route, time, and documentation.

• Review the medication administration record before administration and promptly report unclear orders or discrepancies to the licensed nurse.

• Document medication administration accurately and promptly in the electronic medication administration record (eMAR).

• Report medication refusals, omissions, errors, unavailable medications, swallowing difficulties, and suspected adverse reactions immediately to the licensed nurse.

• Follow facility procedures for medication storage, security, expiration checks, and controlled substance accountability, as authorized.

• Maintain a clean, organized medication cart and protect medications from unauthorized access.

• Refer medication questions, requests requiring clinical judgment, and concerns about whether a medication should be administered to the licensed nurse.

Resident Care and Observation

• Observe residents during assigned duties and promptly report changes in condition, behavior, alertness, mobility, or ability to take medications.

• Obtain and document assigned measurements, such as vital signs, when trained and authorized; report findings requiring nurse review.

• Assist with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, eating, transfers, and mobility when assigned and appropriately qualified.

• Follow individualized care plans, fall prevention measures, infection prevention practices, and resident supervision requirements.

• Respond promptly to call lights and requests for assistance.

• Support residents’ choices, privacy, dignity, and right to refuse care.

Documentation and Communication

• Complete accurate, timely documentation of medication administration, assigned care, observations, and notifications.

• Communicate relevant information to the supervising nurse and during shift report.

• Promptly report suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, injuries, and safety concerns according to facility policy.

• Maintain confidentiality of resident and facility information.

Professional Responsibilities

• Follow hand hygiene, personal protective equipment, and infection prevention procedures.

• Attend required orientation, education, competency evaluations, and staff meetings.

• Maintain required certifications and promptly report changes in certification status.

• Work cooperatively with nursing staff and other departments.

• Perform only duties permitted by certification, demonstrated competency, applicable requirements, and facility policy.

• Perform other related duties within the employee’s authorized scope.

CNA Assignments

A CMA who also holds an active CNA certification may be assigned CNA duties based on resident needs and staffing requirements. Assignments will be coordinated by nursing leadership to allow safe completion of medication administration and resident care responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Current medication aide certification or credential required for the facility’s state and long-term care setting.

• Active CNA certification when required or when assigned CNA responsibilities.

• Successful completion of facility orientation and medication administration competency validation.

• Current CPR/BLS certification as required by facility policy.

• Ability to read and understand medication labels, orders, care plans, and documentation.

• Strong attention to detail, communication skills, dependability, and respect for residents.

• Long-term care experience preferred.

Physical and Work Requirements

Must be able to perform essential duties, with or without reasonable accommodation, including prolonged standing and walking, pushing medication carts, and assisting with resident movement using approved equipment and safe handling techniques. Work may involve exposure to infectious materials and residents experiencing cognitive impairment or behavioral symptoms.

Scope and Supervision

The CMA works under licensed nurse supervision and does not independently assess residents, make nursing judgments, change medication orders, or perform tasks outside the authorized medication aide role. Questions about medications or changes in resident condition must be referred promptly to the licensed nurse.