R156-31b-703b. Scope of Nursing Practice Implementation

  (1) LPN. An LPN shall be expected to:

  (a) conduct a focused nursing assessment;

  (b) plan for and implement nursing care within limits of competency;

  (c) conduct patient surveillance and monitoring;

  (d) assist in identifying patient needs;

  (e) assist in evaluating nursing care;

  (f) participate in nursing management by:

  (i) assigning appropriate nursing activities to other LPNs;

  (ii) delegating care for stable patients to unlicensed assistive personnel in accordance with these rules and applicable statutes;

  (iii) observing nursing measures and providing feedback to nursing managers; and

  (iv) observing and communicating outcomes of delegated and assigned tasks; and

  (g) serve as faculty in area(s) of competence.

  (2) RN. An RN shall be expected to:

  (a) interpret patient data, whether obtained through a focused nursing assessment or otherwise, to:

  (i) complete a comprehensive nursing assessment; and

  (ii) determine whether, and according to what timeframe, another medical professional, a patient's family member, or any other person should be apprised of a patient's nursing needs;

  (b) detect faulty or missing patient information;

  (c) apply nursing knowledge effectively in the synthesis of the biological, psychological, spiritual, and social aspects of the patient's condition;

  (d) utilize broad and complete analyses to plan strategies of nursing care and nursing interventions that are integrated within each patient's overall health care plan or IHP;

  (e) demonstrate appropriate decision making, critical thinking, and clinical judgment to make independent nursing decisions and to identify health care needs;

  (f) correctly identify changes in each patient's health status;

  (g) comprehend clinical implications of patient signs, symptoms, and changes as part of ongoing or emergent situations;

  (h) critically evaluate the impact of nursing care, the patient's response to therapy, and the need for alternative interventions;

  (i) intervene on behalf of a patient when problems are identified so as to revise a care plan as needed;

  (j) appropriately advocate for patients by:

  (i) respecting patients' rights, concerns, decisions, and dignity;

  (ii) identifying patient needs;

  (iii) attending to patient concerns or requests; and

  (iv) promoting a safe and therapeutic environment by:

  (A) providing appropriate monitoring and surveillance of the care environment;

  (B) identifying unsafe care situations; and

  (C) correcting problems or referring problems to appropriate management level when needed;

  (k) communicate with other health team members regarding patient choices, concerns, and special needs, including:

  (i) patient status and progress;

  (ii) patient response or lack of response to therapies; and

  (iii) significant changes in patient condition;

  (l) demonstrate the ability to responsibly organize, manage, and supervise the practice of nursing by:

  (i) delegating tasks in accordance with these rules and applicable statutes; and

  (ii) matching patient needs with personnel qualifications, available resources, and appropriate supervision;

  (m) teach and counsel patient families regarding an applicable health care regimen, including general information about health and medical conditions, specific procedures, wellness, and prevention;

  (n) if acting as a chief administrative nurse:

  (i) ensure that organizational policies, procedures, and standards of nursing practice are developed, kept current, and implemented to promote safe and effective nursing care;

  (ii)(A) assess the knowledge, skills, and abilities of nursing staff and assistive personnel; and

  (B) ensure all personnel are assigned to nursing positions appropriate to their determined competence and licensure/certification/registration level; and

  (iii) ensure that thorough and accurate documentation of personnel records, staff development, quality assurance, and other aspects of the nursing organization are maintained;

  (o) if employed by a department of health:

  (i) implement standing orders and protocols; and

  (ii) complete and provide to a patient prescriptions that have been prepared and signed by a physician in accordance with the provisions of Section 58-17b-620;

  (p) serve as faculty in area(s) of competence; and

  (q) perform any task within the scope of practice of an LPN.

  (3) APRN.

  (a) An APRN who chooses to change or expand from a primary focus of practice shall, at the request of the Division, document competency within that expanded practice based on education, experience, and certification. The burden to demonstrate competency rests upon the licensee.

  (b) An individual licensed as an APRN may practice within the scope of practice of an RN and an LPN in Utah.

  (c) An APRN who wishes to practice as an RN in a Compact state must reinstate, qualify for, and obtain an RN Compact license in Utah.