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Bill

Bill

HB 1784

Concerning certified medical assistants.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Matt Marshall and 3 co-sponsors

Washington HB 1784 establishes state certification standards and regulatory oversight for certified medical assistants to standardize training, clarify scope of practice, and enhance patient safety in healthcare settings.

By resolution, returned to House Rules Committee for third reading.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1784

Legislative bill overview

HB 1784 establishes certification and regulatory standards for certified medical assistants (CMAs) in Washington state. The bill creates a formal credentialing pathway and likely defines scope of practice, training requirements, and oversight mechanisms for medical assistants working in healthcare settings.

Why is this important

Medical assistants represent a significant portion of the healthcare workforce but historically have had minimal state-level regulation compared to nurses and other clinical professionals. Formal certification could improve patient safety, standardize training quality, and clarify what tasks CMAs can legally perform—affecting both healthcare delivery and job opportunities for approximately 40,000+ medical assistants in Washington.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of practice boundaries: Defining what certified medical assistants can do may create friction with nursing boards if duties overlap with licensed nurse roles, or conflict with physician assistant/nurse practitioner communities
  • Implementation costs and timeline: Healthcare facilities may face compliance expenses and training burdens if certification becomes mandatory, potentially affecting small clinics and rural providers differently
  • Grandfathering existing workers: Unclear whether currently uncertified medical assistants must obtain new credentials, creating potential workforce disruptions or requiring transition periods that delay implementation

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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