Scenario 1

Question

A job applicant for the position of clinical medical assistant has passed the first interview and is
handed a stack of paperwork to be filled out to ensure that he or she is eligible to work in this
capacity and in this country. She is hired for the job, but at the end of the first two-week pay
period, the person responsible for payroll in the office sends the clinical supervisor a note stating
that the applicant cannot be paid.
1. Can you think of a reason the employee cannot be able to be paid?
2. Which form must be filled out before anyone can begin working in the United States?
Scenario 2
Maryn Leonard, a single mother of three, has just been hired to work as a medical assistant at
the Downtown Clinic. She has completed all required documents for employment and has
started working. Her first paycheck seems to be lower than what she expected, and she wants
to know why.
1. How many dependent deductions can she claim?
2. On which form would you check to ensure that the correct number of dependent deductions
are claimed to raise her pay?
Scenario 3
You have just been hired at Downtown Clinic as a clinical medical assistant. The office manager
tells you that although the office carries liability insurance, you personally are not covered under
the policy. You ask another medical assistant about whether she has insurance, and she tells
you she does not. She says she has not looked into it, but she thinks it might be expensive. She
says she has been working there for five years, and it is not a big deal whether you get the
insurance.
What should you do?

Answer 1

Scenario 1

1. Reason the employee cannot be paid:

   • One possible reason the employee cannot be paid is that the applicant may not have provided the necessary documentation to establish their eligibility to work in the United States. This could include failure to present valid identification or work authorization documents, such as a Social Security card or employment authorization card.

2. Form that must be filled out:

   • The form that must be filled out before anyone can begin working in the United States is the Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification). This form verifies the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the U.S.

Scenario 2

1. Number of dependent deductions she can claim:

   • Maryn Leonard can claim three dependent deductions since she is a single mother of three children.

2. Form to check for correct dependent deductions:

   • To ensure that the correct number of dependent deductions are claimed to raise her pay, you would check Form W-4 (Employee's Withholding Certificate). This form determines the amount of federal income tax withholding from her paycheck based on her filing status and number of dependents.

Scenario 3

What you should do:

• It is important to prioritize your own financial and legal security. Here are some steps you can take:
  1. Research your options: Look into various liability insurance policies, focusing on those that are specifically designed for medical assistants or healthcare professionals. Compare the costs and coverage options available.
  2. Discuss with management: Consider bringing up the issue with your office manager. They may provide more information about the employer's liability insurance and clarify why individual coverage isn't included, as well as any implications for your responsibilities.
  3. Talk to colleagues: Engage in discussions with other medical assistants or healthcare professionals in your network to gather information about the necessity and availability of liability insurance.
  4. Assess personal risk: Carefully assess your own level of risk while working without insurance and make a decision that aligns with your comfort level and financial situation.
  5. Consider obtaining coverage: If you determine that having your own liability insurance is necessary, take proactive steps to obtain a policy that fits your needs and budget.

By taking these measures, you can make informed decisions regarding your personal liability insurance, ensuring that you are adequately protected in your new role.