Scope of Registered Nursing Practice in the Administration of Etomidate

December 2009 - It was the advisory opinion of the Board that the administration of Etomidate in a medication facilitated intubation is within the scope of registered nursing practice when:

• The administration of the medication is performed under the direct supervision/presence of the physician, advanced registered nurse practitioner designated nurse anesthetist, or advanced registered nurse practitioner who is educationally prepared and clinically competent to perform the intubation.
• The nurse is educationally prepared and currently clinically competent to perform the act in a safe, competent manner.  Documentation of the nurse's educational preparation and demonstrated clinical competence is maintained. 
• The monitoring of the patient is according to accepted standards of practice and is performed according to the facility's established, written policies and procedures.