Which of the following procedures can a medical assistant NOT perform?

A medical assistant's role is crucial in supporting healthcare teams, but there are certain procedures that fall outside their scope of practice. Prescribing medications is one of those responsibilities that a medical assistant cannot perform. This task is legally reserved for licensed healthcare professionals, such as doctors and nurse practitioners, who have the necessary training and authority to evaluate a patient's condition and determine the appropriate medications.

In contrast, medical assistants are well-equipped to take patient vitals, provide education to patients about their health and treatments, and assist healthcare providers during examinations. These duties are foundational to their training and are designed to enhance patient care while allowing licensed professionals to handle the more complex and legally regulated tasks, such as medication management and diagnoses.