If the doctor had supervisory responsibilities, it is possible that the medical assistant would be appointed, it is the manager or supervisor who has the obligation to monitor the medical assistant and make sure that they act in accordance with the standards of care. There is another legal issue that practices should be aware of and address when hiring a medical assistant. In some states, a registered nurse can supervise and give orders to the medical assistant and in other states, only the provider can give orders to the medical assistant and not the nurse. practitioner may not be able to supervise an assistant in other states other than New York the rules are not defined or clear that no one is really