Applicable Statutory Definitions

The primary mission and purpose of the Board is to develop and enforce state laws governing the safe practice of nursing in order to protect the health and welfare of the citizens of the Commonwealth.   As a regulatory agency of state government, KBN accomplishes an aspect of this mission by issuing advisory opinions on what constitutes the legal scope of nursing practice.

An opinion is not a regulation of the Board; it does not have the force and effect of law.  Rather, an opinion is issued as a guidepost to licensees who wish to engage in safe nursing practice.

…The performance of additional acts by registered nurses who have gained added knowledge and skills through an organized postbasic program of study and clinical experience and who are certified by the American Nurses' Association or other nationally established organizations or agencies recognized by the board to certify registered nurses for advanced nursing practice.  The additional acts shall, subject to approval of the board, include, but not be limited to, prescribing treatment, drugs, devices, and ordering diagnostic tests.  Advanced registered nurse practitioners who engage in these additional acts shall be authorized to issue prescriptions for and dispense nonscheduled legend drugs as defined in KRS 217.905, under the conditions set forth in KRS 314.042.  Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as requiring an advanced registered nurse practitioner designated by the board as a nurse anesthetist to obtain prescriptive authority pursuant to this chapter or any other provision of law in order to deliver anesthesia care. The performance of these additional acts shall be consistent with the certifying organization or agencies' scopes and standards of practice recognized by the board by administrative regulation.

…The performance of acts requiring substantial specialized knowledge, judgment, and nursing skill based upon the principles of psychological, biological, physical, and social

a) The care, counsel, and health teaching of the ill, injured or infirm.

b) The maintenance of health or prevention of illness of others.

c) The administration of medication and treatment as prescribed by a physician, physician assistant, dentist, or advanced registered nurse practitioner and as further authorized or limited by the board, and which are consistent either with American Nurses' Association Standards of Practice or with Standards of Practice established by nationally accepted organizations of registered nurses.   Components of medication administration include, but are not limited to:

1. Preparing and giving medication in the prescribed dosage, route, and frequency;
2. Observing, recording, and reporting desired effects, untoward reactions, and side effects of drug therapy;
3. Intervening when emergency care is required as a result of drug therapy;
4. Recognizing accepted prescribing limits and reporting deviations to the prescribing individual;
5. Recognizing drug incompatibilities and reporting interactions or potential interactions to the prescribing individual; and
6. Instructing an individual regarding medications. 

d) The supervision, teaching of, and delegation to other personnel in the performance of activities relating to nursing care.

e) The performance of other nursing acts which are authorized or limited by the board, and which are consistent either with American Nurses' Association Standards of Practice or with Standards of Practice established by nationally accepted organizations of registered nurses.

…The performance of acts requiring knowledge and skill such as are taught or acquired in approved schools for practical nursing in:

a) The observing and caring for the ill, injured, or infirm under the direction of a registered nurse, a licensed physician, or dentist.

b) The giving of counsel and applying procedures to safeguard life and health, as defined and authorized by the board.

c) The administration of medication or treatment as authorized by a physician, physician assistant, dentist, or advanced registered nurse practitioner and as further authorized or limited by the board which is consistent with the National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses or with Standards of Practice established by nationally accepted organizations of licensed practical nurses.

d) Teaching, supervising, and delegating except as limited by the board.

e) The performance of other nursing acts which are authorized or limited by the board and which are consistent with the National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses' Standards of Practice or with Standards of Practice established by nationally accepted organizations of licensed practical nurses.

All individuals licensed under provisions of this chapter shall be responsible and accountable for making decisions that are based upon the individuals' educational preparation and experience in nursing and shall practice nursing with reasonable skill and safety.