Question Description
Please write a paragraph with your opinion based on the text bellow. Please include citations and references in case you need to used for the question.
To determine whether a new procedure falls within the registered nurse scope of practice, initially one would have to refer to the board of registered nursing to determine whether the new procedure falls within their scope of practice in the practicing state. In California, the BRN states the following:
“Policies and protocols developed through collaboration among administrators and health professionals, including physicians and nurses, by an organized health care system which is not a health facility licensed pursuant to Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 1250) of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code. The policies and protocols shall be subject to any guidelines for standardized procedures that the Division of Licensing of the Medical Board of California and the Board of Registered Nursing may jointly promulgate. If promulgated, the guidelines shall be administered by the Board of Registered Nursing” (California Board of Registered Nursing).
California does not have a specific model to follow when making decisions for new procedures. One requirement there is and regulated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is that the new procedure be supported by evidence based practice models. Considering these two inportant pieces of information, the way I would approach the introduction of a new procedure would be as follows:
– Determine whether the new procedure is consistent with the scope of practice. Does the staff have the appropiate knowledge to perform the task safely and effectively?
– Is the task within the accepted standard of care and through training consistent with the appropiate established agency policies and procedures?
– Explain the benefits and value in regards to nurse accountability and most importantly patient outcomes.
– Schedule training for nursing staff, or any multidisciplinary staff involved in the process with pertinent skill competency check off. Always addressing any questions staff might have.
– Having competent staff that has been checked off train physicians to encourage collaboration and team work.
With any process, a measurable timeframe would be pre-determined to reassess the efficacy of the new procedure. This leaves room for any new improvements the new process may require.
References:
California Board of Registered Nursing. (n.d.). Nursing Practice Act. Retrieved May 28, 2018, from http://www.rn.ca.gov/practice/npa.shtml
Business and Professions Code-BPC Chapter 6. Nursing Article 2. Scope of Regulation 2725. c1-2
