AAMA CMA Practice Question

The doctrine of 'respondeat superior' holds an employer liable for the actions of its employees performed within the scope of their employment. In this case, discussing confidential patient information is part of the medical assistant's job, though it should not be disclosed publicly. Despite this being an improper action, it could fall under the scope of employment as it relates to the assistant's work-related duties. 'Subpoena duces tecum' pertains to a court order requiring documents to be produced, which is not directly relevant to the employer's responsibility for the employee's actions. The 'Good Samaritan laws' protect individuals who provide aid in an emergency situation, which doesn't apply to this scenario. 'Respondeat superior' is different from 'negligence' on its own, because negligence refers to the individual's failure to exercise reasonable care, whereas 'respondeat superior' relates to the employer's liability for such negligence.