What is the primary role of a Medication Assistant - Certified (MA-C) in Arkansas?

The primary role of a Medication Assistant - Certified (MA-C) in Arkansas is to assist licensed nurses in administering medications. This function is critical within the healthcare team, as the MA-C works under the supervision of a licensed nurse, ensuring that medication administration is done safely and effectively. The MA-C is trained to support nurses by following established protocols and guidelines, which can include preparing and giving medications, monitoring patients for reactions, and reporting observations to the nurse.

This role emphasizes teamwork in the healthcare environment, ensuring that licensed nurses are able to focus on comprehensive patient care while the MA-C handles specific medication tasks. The collaborative approach not only enhances patient safety but also maximizes the efficiency of the healthcare delivery system.

The other options, while relevant to various roles within healthcare, do not accurately define the primary responsibilities of an MA-C. Independent administration of medications would not align with the MA-C's supervised role. Conducting patient assessments and evaluations is typically reserved for licensed nurses and other healthcare professionals with advanced training, as is managing medication inventories, which may fall under a pharmacy or administrative role rather than that of a medication assistant.