Final answer:
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) introduced regulations that require mandatory credentialing for medical assistants in medical offices to enhance patient safety and improve the quality of care.
Step-by-step explanation:
The regulation that is making mandatory credentialing for medical assistants a logical step in the hiring process for medical offices is the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
The ACA introduced regulations designed to control increases in healthcare costs. One example is a requirement that healthcare providers switch to electronic medical records (EMRs), which will reduce administrative costs. Mandatory credentialing ensures that medical assistants have the necessary knowledge and skills to handle EMRs and other administrative tasks effectively.
By implementing mandatory credentialing, medical offices can enhance patient safety and improve the quality of care provided. Medical assistants with proper credentials can perform their duties competently, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring smooth operations within the office.