A newly licensed LPN asks where they can find the legal scope and limitations of their practice. The nurse should direct them to:

A. Hospital policy manual: Hospital policies provide guidance on internal procedures, workflow, and expectations specific to that facility, but they do not define the legal scope of practice for nurses. Compliance with hospital policies does not replace state law. B. State Nurse Practice Act: The Nurse Practice Act is a state law that defines the legal scope, responsibilities, and limitations of nursing practice for licensed nurses, including LPNs. It serves as the authoritative legal reference for what nurses are permitted to do within that state. C. Professional nursing organizations: These organizations provide resources, advocacy, and professional guidelines, but their recommendations are not legally binding. They supplement understanding but do not determine legal scope of practice. D. Federal health regulations: Federal regulations guide healthcare delivery and patient safety standards but do not specify the detailed scope of practice for individual nursing licenses. State law remains the primary legal reference for nursing practice.