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preparation and skills in
physical diagnosis, psycho-
social assessment, and
management of health-illness
needs in primary health care,
and who has been prepared in
a program conforms to board
standards as specified in
Section 1484. (16 Code Cal.
Rules 1480 (a)).
through collaboration among administrators and health professionals,
including physicians and surgeons and nurses, standardized procedures may
be implemented that authorize a NP to do any of the following:
(1) Order DME
(2) After performance of a physical examination by the nurse practitioner and
collaboration with a physician and surgeon, certify disability pursuant
to Section 2708 of the Unemployment Insurance Code.
(3) For individuals receiving home health services or personal care services,
after consultation with the treating physician and surgeon, approve, sign,
modify, or add to a plan of treatment or plan of care.
A “standardized procedure” is the legal mechanism for RNs and NPs to
perform functions which would otherwise be considered the practice of
medicine. Standardized procedures must be developed collaboratively by
nursing, medicine, and administration in the organized health care system
where they will be utilized. The procedure functions are the diagnosing,
prescribing, and severing or penetrating of tissue functions under the
MPA. The standardized procedure outlines when the nurse is to refer or seek
a second opinion, limitations, required education, settings, how the practice
will be evaluated etc.
Standardized procedures must be developed collaboratively by nursing,
medicine, and administration in the organized health care system where they
will be utilized. Once the physician signs off on the standardized procedure,
nurse and facility (if applicable) the practice is considered independent. The
“standardized procedure” is agency specific and must meet certain
requirements including collaborative development by nursing, medicine and
administration within the agency.