You are responsible for your acts as an employee of the doctor’s office. The doctor’s office is legally liable if you are negligent and cause harm/injury to a patient. While it is true that the office is liable; however, you yourself are also liable for your own actions on the job. Therefore, extreme care must be taken when you perform your duties. Medications and treatments must be checked and rechecked before administering them. The condition of the office equipment that you use must be checked and rechecked. Potential hazards such as throw rugs, slippery floors, etc. that can be a potential hazard to a patient must be attended to.
Even though you think you know exactly what the doctor would prescribe, do not prescribe yourself! This is illegal. You cannot practice medicine.
The chart is a record of the medical services and care of the patient. Include pertinent information only. Medical records are to be complete, legible and accurate. In order to help avoid any malpractice suits, complete, carefully prepared medical records will show that patient received proper treatment. Medical records cannot be altered or erased.
Please keep in mind that patients can hear your conversations. While we encourage conversations with one another, please exercise caution when speaking about personal matters and especially the use of profanity or of matters that may be offensive.