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Anesthesiologist Assistants are often referred to as AAs. They are graduates of an approved program who are licensed to perform medical services delegated and directly supervised by an anesthesiologist. Anesthesiologists are physicians (MDs or DOs) who specialize in the relief of pain during and after surgical procedures and childbirth, during certain chronic disease processes, and during resuscitation and critical care of patients in the operating room and intensive care environments. AAs may not prescribe legend or controlled substance medication. Medicine - Medical Doctor Medical Doctors, are often referred to as MDs. They are licensed to practice in all areas of health care that are concerned with the diagnosis, treatment, operation, or prescription for any human disease, pain, injury, deformity, or other physical or mental condition. MDs may prescribe legend and, if holding a valid DEA registration, controlled substance medication. MDs provide indirect supervision to Physician Assistants. Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners (ARNP) practice under a written protocol with an MD or an Osteopathic Medical Doctor (D.O). Medicine - House Physician A House Physician has a limited medical practice. They may only practice while employed by a Florida licensed hospital under the direct supervision of an MD or DO. These licensees assist in conducting the professional work of the hospital by writing histories, doing and recording physical examinations, performing laboratory work, and such other functions as the medical staff Page 2 of 6 PROFESSIONS SUMMARY feels are within the house physician’s capabilities. House Physicians may not prescribe legend or controlled substance medication. Medicine - Limited License Medical Doctor These MDs practice medicine as described above under Medical Doctor; however, MDs licensed under this provision must have been licensed to practice medicine in any jurisdiction for at least 10 years, and may only practice in the employment of public agencies or institutions or nonprofit agencies or institutions meeting the requirements of s. 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, located in areas of critical medical need as determined by the Board. If a physician has not fully retired in all states, or has not practiced medicine within 3 years, other restrictions apply. Medicine – Medical Assistant Medical Assistant (MA) is not a licensed profession. An MA is a professionally multi-skilled person who assists in limited aspects of medical practice under the direct supervision and responsibility of a physician. These limited tasks include assisting with: patient care management, administrative and clinical procedures, and managerial and supervisory functions. Competence in the field also requires that a medical assistant adhere to ethical and legal standards of professional practice, recognize and respond to emergencies, and demonstrate professional characteristics. Under the direct supervision and responsibility of a licensed physician, a medical assistant may undertake the following duties: (a) Performing Clinical Procedures, to include: 1. Performing aseptic procedures. 2. Taking vital signs. 3. Preparing patients for the physician’s care. 4. Performing venipunctures and non- Page 3 of 6 PROFESSIONS SUMMARY intravenous injections. 5. Observing and reporting patients’ signs or symptoms. (b) Administering basic first aid. (c) Assisting with patient examination or treatments. (d) Operating office medical equipment. (e) Collecting routine laboratory specimens as directed by the physician. (f) Administering medication as directed by the physician. (g) Performing basic laboratory procedures. (h) Performing office procedures including all general administrative duties required by the physician. (i) Performing dialysis procedures, including