Scope of Practice: Freedom Within Limits

Abstract

"Scope of practice" has a variety of meanings amongst midwives, other health professionals, health organizations, and consumers of midwifery care. For some, it refers to the Standards for the Practice of Midwifery; for others, it encompasses the legal base of practice; still others equate it with the components of the clinical parameters of practice. Because "scope of practice" is dynamic and parameters of practice can be impacted by many variables, succinctly defining "scope of practice" is difficult. This article provides a comprehensive discussion of the concept "scope of practice." Clinical scenarios are provided as case exemplars. The aim of this paper is to provide both new and experienced midwives with a substantive definition of the concept "scope of practice."

Bringing birth-related paternal depression to the fore

“…45 However, the concept of ''scope of practice'' is dynamic as its breadth and depth evolve with new technology, advanced education, and research findings. 46 Scope of practice has been used to describe the practice of midwives, to identify clients for whom midwives can provide care, and to assist in the development of additional practice guidelines.…”

Perceived roles of oncology nursing

“…It is difficult to find a consistent definition of standards of care for oncology nurses. In general, the term Standards of Care refers to scope of practice, professional competencies, and the legal base of practice or clinical parameters of practice (Baranek, 2005;Oelke et al, 2008;Schuiling & Slager, 2000). The results of a recent study conducted by Bakker et al (2013) regarding the context of oncology nursing indicate that the context of health care practice has been linked with patient, professional, and organizational factors.…”

Liability Concerns: A View From the American College of Nurse‐Midwives

“…In today's competitive and rapidly changing health care marketplace, expanded practice is a “double‐edged sword” because advanced practice skills allow midwives to be valuable providers of services that can result in improved access to care, but advanced practice skills also expose midwives to potential liability. It is critical that midwives (and those who credential and insure them) have a clear understanding of this issue 8,9 …”

“…It is critical that midwives (and those who credential and insure them) have a clear understanding of this issue. 8,9 Midwives seek to expand their scope of practice for a variety of reasons. The ability to first assist at surgery or use a vacuum device may markedly improve outcomes for mothers and babies in some settings.…”