A medical assistant who performs a procedure ordered by the physician employer is protected under which principle?

The principle of respondeat superior is a legal doctrine that holds an employer responsible for the actions of their employees when those actions occur in the course of their employment. In the context of a medical assistant performing a procedure ordered by the physician employer, this principle means that if a legal issue arises from the medical assistant's actions while executing the physician's orders, the employer may be held liable for that conduct.

This principle is important because it ensures that employees are protected when they are carrying out legitimate tasks under the guidance and authority of their employer. It reinforces the idea that the employer bears responsibility for providing a safe environment and appropriate training. Therefore, in this scenario, the medical assistant's actions are covered under the umbrella of respondeat superior, as they were acting within the scope of their job duties as directed by the physician.

Informed consent relates to ensuring that patients fully understand the procedures being performed on them. Negligence pertains to a failure to take proper care in doing something, which is not the focus of this question. Direct supervision involves having a qualified individual overseeing a procedure at the time it is performed, but does not provide the same level of protection and liability for the employer as respondeat superior.