Scope of Practice (Nursing)
Scope of practice defines the legal boundaries of what a healthcare professional is authorized to do based on their education, licensure, and state Nurse Practice Act. For LPNs/LVNs, the scope includes basic nursing care, data collection, medication administration, and care plan implementation under RN or physician supervision.
Exam Tip
State Nurse Practice Act defines scope of practice. LPNs can: collect data, implement care plans, administer most medications, delegate to CNAs. LPNs cannot: perform comprehensive assessments, develop care plans, give IV push meds (most states), or perform initial teaching. When in doubt, ask your supervisor.
What Is Scope of Practice?
Scope of practice refers to the activities that a healthcare professional is legally permitted to perform based on their education, training, licensure, and state regulations. Each state's Nurse Practice Act (NPA) defines the scope of practice for LPNs, RNs, and APRNs.
Scope of Practice Comparison
| Activity | CNA/UAP | LPN/LVN | RN | APRN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vital signs | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ADL assistance | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Focused assessment/data collection | Observations only | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Comprehensive assessment | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Nursing diagnosis | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Care plan development | No | Contributes data | Yes | Yes |
| Oral medication administration | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| IV medication administration | No | Some states | Yes | Yes |
| IV push medications | No | Most states no | Yes | Yes |
| Blood product administration | No | No (most states) | Yes | Yes |
| Initial patient teaching | No | No (reinforce only) | Yes | Yes |
| Delegation to CNAs | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Prescriptive authority | No | No | No | Yes (varies) |
Key Principles of Scope of Practice
| Principle | Explanation |
|---|---|
| State Nurse Practice Act | The primary legal document governing scope; varies by state |
| Facility policies | May be more restrictive than state law, but never less |
| Education and competency | Must have training for any task performed |
| Professional accountability | Responsible for knowing and staying within your scope |
| Delegation rules | Cannot delegate beyond your own scope |
Working Outside Scope of Practice
| Risk | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Performing unauthorized tasks | License suspension or revocation |
| Patient harm | Legal liability (malpractice/negligence) |
| Criminal charges | Practicing without a license (if scope exceeded significantly) |
| Employment termination | Violation of facility policies |
How to Determine Your Scope
- Review your state Nurse Practice Act
- Check facility policies and procedures
- Verify your education and training cover the task
- Consult with your charge nurse or supervisor if uncertain
- When in doubt, do NOT perform the task until clarified
Exam Alert
Scope of practice questions are heavily tested in the Coordinated Care category on the NCLEX-PN (18-24%). Know what LPNs can and cannot do compared to CNAs and RNs. Always follow the state Nurse Practice Act. Facility policies may be more restrictive but never less restrictive than the NPA. When in doubt, ask your supervisor.
Study This Term In
Related Terms
Delegation (Nursing)
Delegation in nursing is the process of transferring responsibility for performing a specific nursing task to another qualified individual (such as a CNA or UAP) while retaining accountability for the outcome. The five rights of delegation guide safe delegation decisions.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), called a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) in California and Texas, is a healthcare professional who has completed a state-approved practical nursing program (typically 12-18 months) and passed the NCLEX-PN exam. LPNs provide basic nursing care under the supervision of an RN or physician.
Nursing Process
The nursing process is a systematic, five-step problem-solving framework used by nurses to provide patient-centered care: Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation (ADPIE). It is the foundation of all nursing practice and the organizing framework for the NCLEX.
Care Plan (Nursing)
A nursing care plan is a written document that outlines a patient's identified health problems, measurable goals, and specific nursing interventions. It is developed by the RN based on nursing assessment data and guides the entire nursing team in providing consistent, individualized care.
10 free AI interactions per day
Stay Updated
Get free exam tips and study guides delivered to your inbox.