A newly licensed nurse is unsure if an assigned task is within their scope of practice. Which of the following resources should the nurse consult?

A. State Nurse Practice Act: The State Nurse Practice Act defines the legal scope of practice for nurses within that state, including permissible tasks, delegation guidelines, and licensure requirements. Consulting it ensures that the nurse acts within legal and professional boundaries. B. Verbal direction from the nurse manager: While guidance from a manager can clarify expectations, it does not supersede legal regulations or define the nurse’s authorized scope of practice. Following only verbal instructions without legal backing may place the nurse at risk of practicing outside their scope. C. Institutional policies and procedures: Policies provide guidance on how tasks should be performed safely within a facility, but they do not define the nurse’s legal scope of practice. These should be used in conjunction with state regulations, not as the primary authority. D. Written prescription from the provider: A provider’s order indicates what care is needed for the client but does not grant a nurse legal authority to perform tasks outside their scope of practice. The nurse must ensure the action is permitted under state law before implementation.