Tag: Scope of practice

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a preparticipation physical evaluation (PPE), commonly known as a sports physical, is required by most states for students to participate in sports. So, **can an RN perform a sports physical**? The short answer is often no, as the full medical evaluation and clearance required by many organizations generally fall outside of a standard registered nurse's scope of practice, with specific rules varying significantly by state.

According to the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC), health coaches are trained to help clients develop and implement personalized wellness plans. This authoritative guide will clearly define **what can a health coach do and not do**, shedding light on their valuable, yet distinct, role in the healthcare landscape.

According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), a registered nurse (RN) always maintains accountability for patient outcomes, even after delegating a task. Understanding **what tasks cannot be delegated by an RN** is crucial for maintaining patient safety, adhering to professional standards, and avoiding potential legal and disciplinary consequences. Delegating inappropriate tasks or delegating to an incompetent individual can result in significant harm to patients.

According to the American Society for Clinical Pathology, a phlebotomist’s primary training is centered on venipuncture for blood collection. This specialized skillset often leads people to wonder: can a phlebotomist do IV drips? The answer lies in understanding the key distinctions in professional training and state-specific regulations.

According to a 2022 survey, a significant portion of the American public is confused about the educational and training differences between healthcare professionals. This confusion is at the heart of the debate over whether a nurse practitioner can call themself a doctor, a topic with significant implications for patient trust and transparency.

According to numerous medical and nursing organizations, the roles of a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and a physician are distinct, particularly in terms of their core training and educational models. This is a fundamental concept when answering the question, 'Does an NP count as a physician?'. Understanding these differences is key to navigating the modern healthcare system.

Intravenous (IV) therapy is a common medical procedure, with millions of IV lines placed daily across the globe. Knowing **which health team members are responsible for intravenous therapy** is crucial for understanding the delegation of this complex and vital treatment.

According to the National Institute for Health, most hospitalized patients require some form of intravenous (IV) therapy. However, not every healthcare professional is qualified or legally permitted to perform this task. Knowing **who can start an IV line** is crucial for ensuring patient safety and understanding the strict protocols surrounding this common medical procedure.

Across the healthcare industry, countless intravenous (IV) lines are placed every day to deliver vital fluids and medications. The question, **who puts IV in patients?** has a complex answer, as a variety of trained medical professionals are qualified for this task, depending on the setting and the type of IV access required. This guide will detail who can perform this procedure and what their specific training entails.

As of July 2025, 30 U.S. states and territories allow full practice authority for nurse practitioners, empowering them to pursue what is independent practice in nursing and provide patient care without mandated physician oversight. This evolving autonomy is significantly reshaping the healthcare landscape, especially in underserved areas, by expanding access to essential medical services.