Scope of practice refers to the professional activities defined under state law. The scope of practice for nurses is determined by each state’s nurse practice act.

Standard of care, on the other hand, refers to the provision of services in a manner consistent with care, as another professional with similar training and experience faced with a similar care situation would provide. Standards of care set minimum criteria for job proficiency. They define unequivocally what quality of care is and provide specific criteria that can be used to determine if quality of care has been provided. A divergence from standards of care may result in professional negligence.[1]

In the American Nurses’ Association (ANA) document, “Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice”, scope of practice is defined by the “who,” “what,” “where,” “when,” “why,” and “how” of nursing practice, including advanced practice nursing. In 2008, the American College of Cardiology and the ANA developed the Scope and Standards of Practice for Cardiovascular (CV) Nursing. This document ensures that the highest level of CV quality care is promoted. These CV Nursing standards are important because they promote and direct professional nursing practice for self assessment, as well as outline what the CV nursing profession expects of CV nurses. These standards of care are guidelines and are not law unless referred to in state nurse practice acts. A divergence from standards of care may result in professional negligence.

Reference
1. Gura MT. Clinical considerations for the allied professional: Standards of professional practice for the allied professional in electrophysiology and pacing. Heart Rhythm 2004;1:250-251.

Melanie Gura, RN, MSN, CNS, FHRS, FAHA is the Director of Pacemaker & Arrhythmia Services at Northeast Ohio Cardiovascular Specialists in Akron, Ohio.