Scope of RN Practice "Instillation of Methotrexate into an Ommaya Reservoir"

February 2008 – It was the advisory opinion of the Board that KRS 314.021(2) holds all nurses individually responsible and accountable for the individual's acts based upon the nurse's education and experience.  Each nurse must exercise professional and prudent judgment in determining whether the performance of a given act is within the scope of practice for which the nurse is both licensed and clinically competent to perform.  Acts which are within the permissible scope of practice for a given licensure level may be performed only by those licensees who personally possess the education and skill proficiency to perform those acts in a safe, effective manner. Nursing practice should be consistent with the Kentucky Nursing Laws, established standards of practice, and be evidence based.

The instillation of Methotrexate into an Ommaya reservoir would be within the scope of practice for the registered nurse who is educationally prepared and clinically competent to perform this act.