CLEAR

Florida dry needling scope of practice case

In a court case challenging the validity of a proposed administrative rule regarding scope of practice of physical therapists, the Court ruled that the rule is an invalid exercise of delegated legislative authority. The proposed rule related to physical therapists performing dry needling, and the case concluded that the proposed rule would have constituted the practice of acupuncture by physical therapists, which is not within the physical therapy scope of practice.

Read more

Research on pharmacist scope of practice

New research from the University of Waterloo studied non-urgent ER visits in Ontario and found that nearly one-third of such visits could have been managed by pharmacists with expanded scope of practice. The report notes that expended scope for pharmacists in community practice or based in the Emergency Department could reduce crowdedness in EDs and allow for more ED resources to be devoted to care for more acute patients.

Read more

Florida considers expanded scope of practice for psychologists

A bill under consideration in Florida would expand psychologist scope of practice to allow them to prescribe drugs, including controlled substances. Those wishing to be authorized to prescribe would have to pass an exam, complete coursework on prescribing, and have hands-on clinical training.

Read more

Optometry Australia's vision for expanded scope of practice

Optometry Australia has released a report setting a 20-year vision for the profession. The report highlights seven trends for the future, including scope of practie expansion to include oral therapeutics, minor surgery, prescription of injectables and diabetic education. This scope of practice could be coupled with two tiers of practice - one that includes traditional care and one that encompasses broader ocular health practice. The report emphasized the value of working with the regulator and opthalmologists to determine how an expanded scope of practice could best serve patients and make maximum use of optometrists' skills and training.

Read more

Alberta LPN policies on specializations and restricted activities updated

The College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta has released a Practice Policy: Specialized Practice Areas to clarify additional requirements and authorization that is needed to practice in five specialty areas: immunization, advanced foot care, perioperative, dialysis, and advanced orthopedic. Practice Policy: Authorized Restricted Activities clarifies basic restricted activities and specialized restricted activities, as well as supervision requirements.

Read more

Alberta: expanded midwife scope of practice

The Health Minister in Alberta has announced that midwife scope of practice will be expanded. Upon completion of additional training, midwives will be able to prescribe, dispense and administer a broader range of vaccines, contraceptives and prescription drugs, including narcotics in a hospital setting.

Read more

US government report urges expanded scope of practice and telehealth

A report issued by the US Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and Treasury, "Reforming America's Healthcare System Through Choice and Competition," calls for easing of scope of practice laws, particularly giving examples of advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants, pharmacists, dental therapists and hygienists, and optometrists. The report calls for changes to scope of practice laws to allow healthcare providers to practice at the top of the license and skill set. A further recommendation is elimination of collaborative practice and supervision agreement requirements. The report also suggested easing the license process for foreign-trained physicians.

Read more

Alberta: RNs get prescribing authority

Amendments to the Registered Nurses Profession Regulation will allow RNs to prescribe common medication and order some diagnostic tests such as x-rays. RNs will need to complete additional education and have appropriate supports in the work setting before being authorized to prescribe in their clinical practice area.

Read more

NASEMSO releases EMS scope of practice framework

The National Association of State EMS Officials has released the "Scope of Practice Model Decision-Making Framework for Emergency Medical Services." The new document is intended to provide "a standardized decision-making framework to help determine whether specific activities, interventions or roles are permitted under similar health practitioner's level of education, licensure and competence and to meet standards established by various Practice Acts and rules/regulations of each state/jurisdiction."

Read more

AAFP State Legislative Conference reports on state bills

The American Academy of Family Physicians State Legislative Conference roundtable provided state progress reports from the chapters. Some notes:

• A Virginia bill to allow doctors of medical science programs to license advanced-study physician assistants did not advance.
• An Indiana bill will not allow chiropractors' scope of practice to include ordering and interpreting advanced diagnostic imaging on all areas of the body.
• Michigan will fund student loan repayment for family physicians practicing in underserved areas.

Read more