Pre-Anesthesia Screening Evaluation by ARNPs and/or RNs

It was the advisory opinion of the Board that it is within the scope of practice for the ARNP to compile a patient’s comprehensive medical history, conduct physical examination, and record findings.  Further, it is within the scope of the ARNP to diagnose and treat according to his/her educational preparation, clinical competency, certification, scope and standards of practice, and collaborative agreements.

The compilation of a patient’s comprehensive medical history and performance of a physical examination are within the scope of RN practice for the RN who is educationally prepared and currently clinically competent in the performance of the procedures.  The RN distinguishes normal from abnormal findings, documents the findings (including signs and symptoms) and reports the findings to a medical provider, but does not formulate a medical diagnosis nor prescribe a medical treatment plan.

Subsequently, the performance of a pre-anesthesia screening evaluation for the purpose of obtaining a medical history and physical examination is within the scope of RN practice.  The RN would document/report the findings, but cannot formulate any medical diagnosis or make medical decisions regarding the status of the patient.  A pre-anesthesia screening performed by a RN does not substitute for the standard pre-anesthesia assessment performed by the involved anesthesia provider nor the required history and physical examination performed by the surgeon.