LEMBAGA PEMBANTU PERUBATAN MALAYSIA
Aras 2, Blok E1 Kompleks Kerajaan Parcel E
Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan
62590 PUTRAJAYA
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1. |
BACKGROUND | |
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1.1. |
HISTORY OF MEDICAL ASSISTANTS |
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In the changing role of paramedics in relation to globalised scenario and paradigm shift, from ‘provider focus’ to ‘client focus’, Medical Assistants need to change to fulfill the client expectation in delivering curative, promotive, preventive and rehabilitative aspects. |
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These changes is essential due to expectation of the society in getting quality, updated, easily accessible with reliable cost of healthcare services. Thus as mid-level health care professional, medical assistants need to uphold and strengthen the role in delivering high quality healthcare services. |
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Medical Assistants formerly known as “dressers” existed in pre war and pre independence for decades, were once functioning significantly in the rural health services, contributing high standard healthcare services. Known as dressers in 1930’s to ‘50’s, ‘Pembantu Rumah Sakit’ in 1963, ‘Hospital Assistants’ in the ‘70’s, and finally changed to Medical Assistants in 1985 till now. |
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Before 1971, the training of Medical Assistants was institutionalised with the Nurses. Due to current needs in diagnosting communicable diseases, government had decided to further enhance the training of medical assistants to cater curative, promotive, preventif and rehabilitative components, where they can diagnose illness, treat and deliver health education to the public. |
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To recognise the services given by them an Act was passed by the Parliament in 1977 whereby the medical assistants need to be registered. |
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In 1992 the training curriculum of medical assistants were upgraded to diploma level. As registered healthcare professional they need to renew the registration yearly in order to practice. Under the Medical Assistants (Registration) Act 1977 they must practice under the supervision of a Registered Medical Officer. |
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1.2. |
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE BOARD |
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i. |
Medical Assistants (Registration) Board is establihed under Part II of the Medical Assistants (Registration) Act 1977, Act 180. |
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ii. |
Came into operation on 14th February 1980 in Peninsular Malaysia and on 1st November 1980 in Sabah and |
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iii. |
Under this Act no persons shall be employed as an Medical Assistants or to perform the duties of Medical Assistants, unless such persons is registered with the Board. |
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2. |
OBJECTIVES | |
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2.1. |
To ensure that any person who wishes to practice as a Medical Assistants is registered with the Medical Assistants (Registration) Board, provided he fulfills all the criteria set by the Board. |
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2.2. |
To ensure all practicing Medical Assistants have a valid Annual Practicing Certificate, issued by the Board. |
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2.3. |
To ensure that every registered Medical Assistants maintains a high standard of professional conduct and a personal integrity in the delivery of health care to the public |
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3. |
SCOPE AND FUNCTIONS OF THE BOARD | |
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Medical Assistants Board is the only national organization that represents Medical Assistants in | |
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Some of the functions of the Board are as follows: | |
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Registration of person entitled to be registered as medical assistants and matters connected therewith |
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Training of persons intending to be registered as medical assistants and matters connected therewith |
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Prescription and nature of duties and responsibilities to be performed by Medical Assistants. |
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Training and Accreditation of Medical Assistant Colleges. |
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To upgrade the standard of professionalism, code of etiquette and enforcement. |
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To appoint members of the Board, committee or body formed for any purpose affecting the Medical Assistants profession. |
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To determine or approve and set the syllabus, the contents of the courses of instructions and examination of the basic of Medical Assistants. |
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To investigate into complaints relating to the practice and conduct of Medical Assistants. |
