Washington state medical assistants’ duties and responsibilities have officially expanded after the governor signed into law a bill from 17th District Rep. Paul Harris on Thursday.  House Bill 1073 does several things, including extending the expiration of a certified medical assistant interim permit to the issuance of a certified medical assistant certification.  The policy also allows an individual who has applied for a medical assistant-phlebotomist credential, and has completed the training program, to work under the level of supervision required for the training program, up to 180 days after filing their application.  Under HB 1073, a certified medical assistant can also establish intravenous lines under the supervision of a health care practitioner if certain minimum standards are met.  It also authorizes registered medical assistant to prepare patients for, and assist with, examinations, procedures, treatments, and minor office surgeries that use minimal sedation. Additionally, physician assistants can now complete certain tasks without direct visual supervision.  The bill contains an emergency clause, which means it takes effect immediately.