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CMA Frequently Asked Questions

If you cannot find the information you need at one of the links below, access the OSBN scope-of-practice decision guide, the OSBN interpretive practice statements, or the Nurse Practice Act. The Board does not answer any practice questions by phone or questions sent to the general OSBN e-mailbox.  To submit a written practice question, please email us at osbn.practicequestion@osbn.oregon.gov.  However, if your question is answered in the FAQs or in a practice statement, you will be directed back to the website.



​A:  There is no one website or resource that provides CE classes specific to CMAs.  A variety of sources may be used.

Options would include taking a class from an approved medication aide training program, completing training offered by an employer, or attending a CE seminar that focuses on medication administration within the CMA role.  Distance learning options such as a web-based presentations may be acceptable if the content is presented by a nurse and relevant to the CMA role.

​A:  OAR 851-063- 0070 specifies the routes and types of medications the CMA may and may not administer.  The authorized duties may not be expanded by a nurse.  

​A:  Possibly. 

The Division 63 authorized duties do allow the CMA to give medications via this route.  There is no specification on how long the tube has been in place before medications may be given by the CMA.  In all cases, the CMA would proceed only under nurse direction and if the needed skills are in place.  If the CMA has any doubt, the supervising nurse should be consulted.

​A:  No.  The Board does not set an age requirement for CNA or CMA certification.  Most training programs define age requirements for admission, however.

​A:  CMAs do not work in outpatient settings.

The title abbreviation CMA is protected by Oregon law and means certified medication aide, not certified medical assistant.  The abbreviation CMA cannot be used by medical assistants in Oregon.

Medical assistants are unregulated personnel and work in outpatient settings under the direction of the physician.  Medical assistants do often seek national certifications and those credentials are either CCMA or CMA (AAMA) to distinguish between the two national certification exams available to medical assistants.

​A:   Oregon's Nurse Practice Act (NPA) does not regulate staffing, work breaks, labor agreements, or HR matters. The following links are provided as a courtesy:
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​A:  No. This is not a requirement for renewal. 

​A:   Oregon's Nurse Practice Act (NPA) does not regulate staffing, work breaks, labor agreements, or HR matters. The following links are provided as a courtesy:

​A:  This is not addressed specifically in the Division 63 authorized duties.

The Board does not have a position statement related to pre-pouring medications.  The CMA needs to review any facility policies related to medication preparation that may address pre-pouring.  However, the CMA is expected to understand the safety concerns associated with removing medications from labeled containers and combining them with other medications for future administration.

A:  Yes, when directed to do so by the nurse monitoring the resident's pain.  The CMA needs to be provided clear direction by the nurse to administer medications on a specific schedule when they are ordered prn.  It is the nurse's responsibility to assess the client's overall pain management on an on-going basis.  



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