What is the appropriate action for a medical assistant upon receiving checks in the mail?

The appropriate action for a medical assistant upon receiving checks in the mail is to restrictively endorse them. This involves marking the check in such a way that limits its use, typically by writing "For Deposit Only" along with the account number and the name of the business. This endorsement protects the checks from being cashed by unauthorized individuals, ensuring that the funds are secured for the intended purpose.

Restrictive endorsement is a standard practice in handling checks, particularly in a medical office or any business setting, as it helps prevent theft or fraud. If someone were to find or steal a check that has not been restrictively endorsed, they could potentially cash it or deposit it into their own account without the owner's permission.

In contrast, depositing the checks immediately without any endorsement could expose the practice to risks. Placing the checks in a safe until deposited is better than leaving them unsecured, but without restrictive endorsement, they are still vulnerable. Endorsing them simply with the medical assistant's signature does not provide the same level of protection. Therefore, restrictively endorsing the checks is the most secure and appropriate action.