What are the two elements of the nursing scope of practice statement?

• A. A scope of practice statement and a series of controlled acts
• B. A list of permitted medications and procedures
• C. Hospital patient safety protocols and ethics
• D. Continuing education requirements

Answer: (A)

Two elements organize the nursing scope of practice: a scope of practice statement and a series of controlled acts. The scope of practice statement defines the broad activities and responsibilities nurses are authorized to perform across different settings and populations, establishing the professional boundaries for safe and competent care. The series of controlled acts lists the specific procedures that are considered higher risk and therefore require formal authorization, supervision, or delegation to perform. Together, these define both the general space in which nurses operate and the exact actions that demand extra regulatory approval. Other options describe safety guidelines, ethics, medications, or ongoing education, but they don’t capture the formal two-part structure used to frame the scope of practice.