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SB 2548

Medical Occupations - As introduced, allows a physician assistant to delegate medication administration to a certified medical assistant; adds categories of medications to the list of medications that a certified medical assistant is authorized to administer or prepare, and makes other related changes. - Amends TCA Title 63; Title 68, Chapter 11, Part 2 and Chapter 1042 of the Public Acts of 2024.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Tennessee allows physician assistants to delegate medication administration to certified medical assistants and expands the medications CMAs can administer, improving healthcare efficiency while requiring clear safety protocols.

Companion House Bill substituted
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Bill Summary · SB 2548

Legislative bill overview

SB 2548 expands the scope of practice for certified medical assistants (CMAs) in Tennessee by allowing physician assistants (PAs) to delegate medication administration tasks to them, and adds new categories of medications that CMAs can administer or prepare. The bill modifies Tennessee's medical practice statutes to formalize these expanded responsibilities.

Why is this important

This change directly affects healthcare delivery efficiency and access, particularly in rural or underserved areas where physician assistants may be stretched thin. It also impacts workforce utilization by clarifying what medical assistants can do, potentially reducing costs while raising questions about supervision standards and patient safety protocols.

Potential points of contention

  • Patient safety and oversight: Expanding medication administration authority to CMAs requires clear protocols for supervision, error reporting, and liability—ambiguity here could create accountability gaps if adverse events occur
  • Scope creep and professional boundaries: Some PAs and nurses may view this as encroachment on their traditional roles, raising concerns about whether delegation standards are rigorous enough
  • CMA training and certification consistency: CMAs have varying educational backgrounds; the bill's effectiveness depends on ensuring all CMAs administering new medication categories receive adequate training and maintain competency standards

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

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