Where can you find scopes of practice for healthcare workers?

The scope of practice for healthcare workers is primarily defined by state laws. These laws provide the legal framework that outlines the duties, responsibilities, and limitations of various healthcare roles, including those of Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). This legal guidance ensures that healthcare professionals practice safely and within their competence, protecting both the worker and the patients they serve.

While state rules, hospital procedure manuals, and hospital policy manuals may contain information related to the scope of practice, they are secondary to the foundational legal definitions established by state laws. State laws are authoritative and create the binding regulations that govern healthcare practice in that jurisdiction, making them the primary source for understanding the precise scope of practice for healthcare workers.