Why Scope of Practice Matters in Modern Nursing

In today’s rapidly changing healthcare environment, few concepts are as important, or as frequently misunderstood, as scope of practice. For nurses at every level, understanding your legal and professional boundaries is key to providing safe, effective care and avoiding licensure risk.

This blog unpacks what scope of practice means, why it matters more than ever in 2025, and how continuing education helps nurses stay within those bounds while still growing professionally.

What Is Scope of Practice?

Scope of practice refers to the legal and professional parameters that define what nurses are allowed to do in their roles including procedures, tasks, and levels of responsibility. It varies depending on:

Your license level (LPN, RN, APRN)
Your state’s nurse practice act
Institutional policies or job descriptions

For example:

An LPN may administer medications but may not assess or interpret diagnostic data.
An RN can perform comprehensive assessments and coordinate care plans.
An APRN may diagnose and prescribe independently in some states, but not all.

Why Scope of Practice Is a Policy Priority in 2025

With ongoing provider shortages, aging populations, and increasing demand for high-quality care, nurses are being asked to do more than ever. In response, several states are updating their nurse practice acts to expand scope, particularly for APRNs, allowing greater autonomy in prescribing, diagnosing, and leading care teams.

Recent legislation in states like New York, Kansas, and Utah has granted full practice authority to nurse practitioners, improving access in rural and underserved areas. However, not all states have followed suit, leading to significant variation in what nurses can legally do.

The Risks of Overstepping Scope

Working outside your legal scope can result in serious consequences, including:

Disciplinary action from the State Board of Nursing
Loss of licensure
Legal liability in malpractice cases
Jeopardizing patient safety

A 2024 case in California highlighted the issue when a nurse administered a high-risk IV medication without provider orders, resulting in harm. The incident underscored the importance of knowing exactly what your license permits.

How Continuing Education Supports Safe Practice

One of the most effective ways to stay aware of your scope while growing professionally is through ongoing education. CEUs offer:

Clarity on updated scope regulations
Training in delegation and team-based care
Leadership development within your licensed role
Skills that align with expanded responsibilities in your practice setting

For instance, courses in evidence-based practice, patient education, and clinical decision-making are particularly useful for RNs and APRNs who want to elevate their roles while remaining compliant.

Scope of Practice and Inter-professional Teams

In today’s team-based care environments, clear understanding of scope also enhances collaboration. Nurses who understand their own boundaries and those of their colleagues work more effectively with physicians, therapists, social workers, and pharmacists.

This clarity improves communication, reduces duplication of services, and enhances patient outcomes.

Tips for Staying Within Your Scope

Know your state laws: Review your state’s nurse practice act regularly.
Clarify unclear duties: When asked to perform something unfamiliar, consult your nurse manager or board of nursing.
Document accurately: Especially when you’re functioning near the edge of your role, documentation protects your practice.
Use continuing education to support skills within, not outside, your scope.

How CE Ready Can Help

At CE Ready, we offer CEU courses that support nurses at all levels in understanding and working confidently within their scope. Whether you’re an LPN clarifying delegation rules or an APRN navigating full practice authority, we provide practical, relevant education that aligns with your license level and career goals.

References

National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). (2025). Scope of Practice Resources

American Nurses Association. (2025). Scope and Standards of Practice