LVN vs CMA

[jomby]

My sister-in-law, who is an LVN, lives in DFW area and works in a dermatology clinic. She seems to be having some some difficulties with a CMA who has been challenging her place in the hierarchy. The CMA has told her that she (LVN) is not "allowed" to speak in the presence of a patient. Also that an LVN is not "permitted" to work in a clinic-only in a hospital setting. And some other junk that I don't recall.

Here's the question (one of them , anyway): Does the CMA have supervisory authority over an LVN in any setting (by law, admin rule, whatever)?

Where can she go to get info and clarification about this conflict?

Thanks

[EricJRN, MSN, RN]

Sounds like these are issues that are more of a personal nature than truly scope of practice issues. She could try talking to the Texas BNE for advice or clarification, but I think they'd be unlikely to intervene. It sounds like the MA is rude, and she's certainly wrong in her statement about LVN's in clinics, but the best place to handle this might be sitting down with clinic management.

[HeartsOpenWide, RN]

It sounds more like the CMA your SIL is working with is a pain in the orifice. She needs to talk to her office manager....LVN are not "permitted" to talk to patients?? Give me a break, the person needs to grow up! Also, if LVNs "are not permitted to work in a clinical setting out side the hospital" then how did your SIL get they job?...........question that one.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

The LVN is the licensed nurse and the CMA possesses no license whatsoever. It seems to me that the CMA has some personal issues.

[jomby]

:pumpiron:Update to first post: Apparently S-I-L has contacted BNE and they told her that the clinic is in violation of her license and that she should resign. She has done that (luckily, she has 2 other offers).

[EricJRN, MSN, RN]

Thanks for the update! Did the BNE specify what violated her license?

[TX_PSYCH_LVN]

:pumpiron:Update to first post: Apparently S-I-L has contacted BNE and they told her that the clinic is in violation of her license and that she should resign. She has done that (luckily, she has 2 other offers).

I think you sister-in-law may have mis understood the BNE. We as LVNs can work in clinics as well as Dr.s offices and especially in hospitals. There is no violation of our license if we work in a clinic. Remember LVNs compared to CMAs, LVNs are licensed, CMAs dont have to take a board certified test. I think the CMA just had issues with your SIL. Maybe she was jealous of your SIL, cause maybe the CMA could not get into an LVN program. No violation of our license to work in a clinic. I can guarantee that. Cause if ti was a violation then the BNE would specify if it was or not.

[Fun2, BSN, RN]

I'm interested in what violation it would be as well....unless it's because there's not an RN on staff???? I don't know. That doesn't seem right, it's not like there's a bunch of 'unqualified' things that an LVN can't do in a clinic setting. (Theres much more than a CMA can't do!)

As far as heirarchy? Well.....I am a medical assistant, and the LVN is on a much higher level. That sounds like some of the people I worked with at a Dermatology office in the DFW area.

There's many, many, many LVNs working in clinics. :uhoh21: