Pennsylvania Handbook: Unlicensed Assistive Personnel

WHAT TYPES OF DUTIES MAY UNLICENSED ASSISTIVE PERSONNEL PERFORM? The term “unlicensed assistive personnel” (UAP) and auxiliary nursing staff may refer to medical assistants, office assistants, medical office assistants, certified medical assistants, registered medical assistants, and nurse aides. Many medical offices find that the use of these personnel allows the office to operate in a more cost-effective and efficient manner. However, you must take precautions to ensure that unlicensed personnel are practicing within their scope. Generally, unlicensed personnel are only permitted to perform tasks that are: repetitive, reoccur frequently, and do not require ongoing assessment or decision-making.   When an unlice...