Scope of RN Practice – Certification of False Labor

Recognizing the term “false labor” as a term common to both nursing and medical practice, it was the advisory opinion of the Board that the certification of false labor is within the scope of RN practice.  The RN, as a qualified medical person, must be educationally prepared and clinically competent in the determination of false labor, and would perform this act according to established protocol officially approved by the facility’s medical and nursing staff.

KRS 314.021(2) imposes individual responsibility upon nurses.  Acts that are within the permissible scope of practice for a given licensure level may be performed only by those licensees who personally possess the education and skill proficiency to perform those acts in a safe, effective manner.  Nursing practice should be consistent with the Kentucky Nursing Laws, established standards of practice, and be evidence based.

KRS 314.021(2) holds all nurses individually responsible and accountable for the individual's acts based upon the nurse's education and experience.  Each nurse must exercise professional and prudent judgment in determining whether the performance of a given act is within the scope of practice for which the nurse is both licensed and clinically competent to perform.