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Kentucky Board of Nursing

Practice

Frequently Asked Questions

​​​​This page provides information on frequently asked questions (FAQ) the KBN receives related to nursing scope of practice.  You may review all the nursing scope of practice FAQs through the list below, search by key words, or select the license type or credential under FAQs by Practice.  Please note additional FAQs will be added.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Can an APRN dispense medications?

“Dispensing" for a nurse is specifically defined in KRS 314.011(17) and KRS 315.010(9), as it relates to legend and scheduled drugs.

An APRN may only dispense labeled pharmaceutical legend medications if they are;
  1. ​​Samples; or ​
  2. If they are from a local, district, and independent health department.
Other than these specific exceptions, APRNs do not have the legal authority to dispense medications.

Can an APRN stock and store medications?

If a patient grants permission, the patient’s medication may be dispensed by a pharmacy to the provider’s office. When the APRN’s office accepts and acknowledges receipt of the medication, the office (and staff) become custodians of the medication for the patient. Accepting or storing the medication for a patient at the provider’s office is acceptable if the office follows state and federal guidelines for the storing of such medications. The medication may be directly administered to the patient by an RN, LPN, or delegated to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP), see Kentucky Administrative Regulations 201 KAR 20:400, according to the provider’s orders; or the patient may be provided the education necessary to self-administer a medication.


​What is Prescriptive Authority?​​

​Prescriptive authority is the ability to prescribe medications, including controlled substances. In Kentucky, APRN's must enter into a collaborative agreement with a physician for a period to prescribe medications. This agreement can be for controlled substances (CAPA-CS) or nonsheduled legend drugs (CAPA-NS).​​

​

What is considered same or similar specialty for a collaborative agreement?​

This means that the populations served, or the diseases treated by the APRN are similar or have some type of minimal overlap to that of the collaborating physician's populations served or illnesses treated. For example, a Family Practice physician who treats children within the practice could enter into a CAPA agreement with a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.


What steps do I need to take to obtain prescriptive authority for nonscheduled legend/noncontrolled drugs (CAPA-NS)?

  • ​​Enter into a collaborative agreement with a licensed Kentucky physician in a same or similar specialty.
  • The APRN must notify KBN through their nurse portal. ​
    • You may access the nurse portal here.​​​
    • You may find instructions for obtaining prescriptive authority for the 1st time here​

What steps do I need to take to obtain controlled substance authority under a collaborative agreement (CAPA-CS)?

  • Enter into a collaborative agreement with a licensed Kentucky ​physician in a same or similar specialty.
  • The APRN must notify KBN through their nurse portal. 
    • ​​​You may access the nurse portal here.​
  • You may find instructions for obtaining prescriptive authority for the 1st time here.​
  • Obtain Kentucky DEA registration and upload a copy through the KBN nurse portal.
    • ​You can find more information about the DEA registration here.​
    • You can find more information about PDMP/KASPER master accounts here.
  • You may obtain your KASPER Master Account Verification Form through the Kentucky Online Gateway (KOG) account.​


Can an APRN prescribe refills for scheduled controlled substances? 

The APRN with prescriptive authority for controlled substances who holds a DEA registration number may prescribe scheduled II-V controlled substances. See, KRS 314.011(8).​ ​

Schedule II controlled substances classified under KRS 218A.060, except hydrocodone combination products as defined in KRS 218A.010, shall be limited to a seventy-two (72) hour supply without any refill. Prescriptions issued by advanced practice registered nurses for hydrocodone combination products as defined in KRS 218A.010 shall be limited to a thirty (30) day supply without any refill.

Schedule II psychostimulants may be written for a thirty (30) day supply only by an advanced practice registered nurse certified in psychiatric-mental health nursing who is providing services in a health facility as defined in KRS Chapter 216B or in a regional services program for mental health or individuals with an intellectual disability as defined in KRS Chapter 210.

​Schedule III classified under KRS 218A.080 shall be limited to a thirty (30) day supply without refills.

Schedules IV and V controlled substances classified under KRS 218A.100 and 218A.120 shall be limited to the original prescription and refills not to exceed a six (6) month supply.​

​

How does the collaborative agreement work if I am in my 1st year of licensure as an APRN? 

The APRN in their first year of licensure must:

  • ​​Be employed by a healthcare entity or provider.
    • ​If the provider is an APRN, the APRN must have been granted a CAPA-CS exemption.
  • Meet with the licensed Kentucky physician with whom they entered into a CAPA-CS agreement at least quarterly to review the APRN’s reverse KASPER report or that of the prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) currently in use in Kentucky.
    • ​A record of the meeting date, summary of discussion, and any recommendations are required to be made in writing and a copy retained by both parties (physician and APRN) for a period of one year past the expiration of the CAPA-CS.
    • ​The meeting records could be audited by the KBN or the KBML.
    • The meeting may be held in person or through videoconferencing.​
  • During the succeeding three years these meetings are to be held bi-annually and meeting documentation is required.

Does the APRN need a “Supervising Physician”? ​

​Unless the APRN will be prescribing medications, the APRN does not require physician supervision or collaboration for the independent practice of nurse practitioners (regardless of specialty). The APRN is a licensed, independent practitioner, who practices autonomously and in coordination with health care professionals and other individuals. NPs provide a wide range of health care services, including the diagnosis and management of acute, chronic, and complex health problems; health promotion; disease prevention; health education; and counseling to individuals, families, groups, and communities.

An institutional policy may require physician supervision. Please note: KBN has no jurisdiction over facility policies and procedures. 

If the APRN will be prescribing medications, they will be required to obtain prescriptive authority to prescribe legend drugs and/or obtain controlled substance authority to prescribe controlled substances. 

The APRN who has prescriptive authority may be required to have a “collaborative agreement for prescriptive authority” (CAPA) with a physician.

When are APRNs eligible to file for the CAPA-NS discontinuation or the CAPA-CS exemption so that I may prescribe non-scheduled legend drugs or controlled substances independently?

The APRN who has been prescribing for a period of four (4) years with a collaborative agreement may apply for independent prescriptive authority through the KBN nurse portal.

  • ​You may view 201 KAR 20:057 here​.

What is the process to discontinue a CAPA-NS?​

After four (4) years of prescribing non-scheduled legend drugs the APRN must notify the KBN if they wish to prescribe non-scheduled legend drugs without a CAPA-NS. ​

  • ​​Submit a request for discontinuation through the KBN nurse portal.​
  • You may find instructions on how to submit a request to discontinue the CAPA-NS through the KBN nurse portal here

What is the process to request an exemption for a CAPA-CS?

After four (4) years of prescribing controlled substances the APRN must notify the KBN if they wish to prescribe controlled substances without a CAPA-CS.

  • ​​Submit a request for exemption through the KBN nurse portal;
  • ​Ensure that the KBN has on file a copy of their current DEA registration, PDMP/KASPER master account, and CAPA-CS;
  • ​Pay the required fee;
  • ​Be determined to be in good standing; and
  • You may find instructions on how to submit a request for exemption of the CAPA-CS through the KBN portal here: APRN-Exemption from the CAPA-CS Requirement (After Four Years) Instructions

What if I am an APRN wishing to endorse from another state and have been prescribing for more than four (4) years?

​You may be exempt from the CAPA-CS requirement provided the following has been met:​

  • ​Have been prescribing controlled substances for more than four (4) years in a state that grants this authority to APRNs;
  • Have a DEA registration that reflects the issue date of at least four (4) years prior to endorsing; and​
  • Have a license in good standing.
    • ​If you do not meet the requirements as stated above, you are required to enter into a CAPA-CS, obtain a KY DEA, and have a PDMP/KASPER master account to prescribe controlled substances.​
    • You may find information on how to apply for endorsement here,
    • You may find instructions on how to submit a request for exemption of the CAPA-CS through the KBN portal here

Can an APRN open/own a practice such as a Med Spa/IV Hydration Clinic?

Yes, Kentucky nursing laws do not prohibit a nurse from owning or opening a practice. However, such a practice may need to be licensed by the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology. Licensees are encouraged to contact the Board of Cosmetology​ regarding these requirements.  

The Kentucky Board of Nursing does not have jurisdiction over healthcare agencies/facilities/practices. These entities are overseen by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS).

  • ​You may view AOS #35 Roles of Nurses in Cosmetic and Dermatological Procedures here​.
  • You may view the Joint Statement of the Kentucky Boards of Medical Licensure, Nursing, and Pharmacy Regarding Retail IV Therapy here.  

Can an APRN be the Medical Director of a Med Spa/IV Hydration?

Yes, if an APRN meets the requisite educational and experiential requirements they may function as the medical director. An APRN who functions as the medical director would be expected to be educationally prepared and clinically competent to perform Cosmetic and Dermatological Procedures. All nurses are held responsible and accountable for making decisions that are based upon the individual's educational preparation and current clinical competence. See, KRS 314.021(2)​​

  • You may view KRS 314.021 here
  • You may also wish to review AOS #35 Roles of Nurses in Cosmetic and Dermatological Procedures here
  • You may also wish to review the Joint Statement of the Kentucky Boards of Medical Licensure, Nursing, and Pharmacy Regarding Retail IV Therapy here​


Can the APRN mix multiple supplements for administration in an IV Hydration Clinic?

Yes, however no more than three (3) medications may be added to a bag of IV fluids. Adding more than three (3) medications is considered compounding and is outside the scope of practice of the nurse. 

IV Hydration clinics, mobile or freestanding are not regulated in Kentucky. IV fluid administration, regardless of whether medications may or may not be added, is considered a treatment.

As outlined in KRS 314.021(2), nurses are held responsible and accountable for their decisions regarding the receipt and implementation of patient care orders based on the individual's educational preparation and clinical competence in nursing. The nurse’s practice should be consistent with the Kentucky Nursing Laws, established standards of practice, and be evidence-based.


Can the APRN provide “standing orders” or “protocols” for cosmetic and dermatologic treatments?

Yes, nurses can administer the prescribed treatment, supervised by an APRN, and may use established standing orders or protocols that have been established by an APRN. “Supervision” means the APRN is physically on the premises where the patient is being cared for or readily available by telephone. ​

“The terms “protocol,” and “standing or routine orders,” are not defined in the Kentucky Nursing Laws (KRS Chapter 314) and are often used differently in various health care settings. Such orders may apply to all patients in each situation or be specific pre-printed orders of a given qualified provider. The determination as to when and how “protocols and standing/routine orders” may be implemented by nurses is a matter for internal deliberation by the health care facility.

  • ​You may view Advisory Opinion Statement (AOS) #14: Roles of Nurses in the Implementation of Patient Care Orders: Use of Protocols, Standing Orders, and Routine Orders here
  • You may also wish to review AOS #35 Roles of Nurses in Cosmetic and Dermatological Procedures here​


Can a PMHNP perform cosmetic and dermatologic procedures?

As outlined in KRS 314.011(8) "Advanced practice registered nursing" means the performance of additional acts by registered nurses who have gained advanced clinical knowledge and skills through an accredited education program that prepares the registered nurse for one (1) of the four (4) APRN roles; Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), and who is certified in at least one (1) population focus. Per 201 KAR 20:057 Section 2. Population foci recognized by the Board include the following: Family Practice, Women’s Health, Pediatric (Primary and Acute), Adult-Gerontology (Primary and Acute), Neonatal, and Psychiatric Mental Health. ​

The APRN who wishes to provide Aesthetic Services may do so provided the professional scope of practice indicates that such could be within their role and populations focus. Based upon a review of definitions, scope and standards, a table developed and included in AOS #35 Roles of Nurses in Cosmetic and Dermatological Procedures indicates both the roles and population foci that would allow the advanced registered nurse practitioner to undertake the necessary training to become a competent and skilled aesthetic/cosmetic provider. It was determined that it is not within the scope of practice for a Psychiatric Mental Health APRN to provide cosmetic/aesthetic services. 

  • ​You may view KRS 314.011 here;
  • ​You may view 201 KAR 20:057 here:
  • ​You may view AOS #35 Roles of Nurses in Cosmetic and Dermatological Procedures here

How can an APRN obtain the Authorization to Provide Certification to obtain Medicinal Cannabis?

Under Kentucky law, advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who have been authorized by the Kentucky Board of Nursing to be medical cannabis practitioners can issue written certifications verifying the patient has a qualifying condition for medicinal cannabis treatment.

The certifications are not “prescriptions.” A certification verifies that the patient has a qualifying condition that makes the patient eligible to use cannabis for medicinal purposes. The patient must use the certification to obtain a registry identification card from the Cabinet of Health and Family Services.


What are the eligibility requirements for an authorized medical cannabis practitioner?

The APRN who wishes to become an authorized medical cannabis practitioner must:​


How often does an APRN renew their medical cannabis authorization?

The authorization to provide medical cannabis certifications must be renewed annually during the licensure renewal period November 1 – October 31st of each year.

  • ​​You may view 201 KAR 20:067 Professional Standards for Medicinal Cannabis here​​


What are the Continuing Education (CE) Requirements for medicinal cannabis authorization?

  • ​For initial authorization: 6 hours of CE on specific topics related to medicinal cannabis listed below​;
  • For annual renewal: 3 hours of CE on specific topics related to medical cannabis which include:​
    • ​​Diagnosing qualifying medical conditions;
    • Treating qualifying medical conditions with medicinal cannabis;​
    • The pharmacological characteristics of medicinal cannabis and possible drug interactions; and​
    • Indications of cannabis use disorder.
  • You may view 201 KAR 20:067 Professional Standards for Medicinal Cannabis here.​


Can the first visit prior to providing the certification to obtain medicinal cannabis be telehealth? 

No, the initial visit consists of establishing a bona fide practitioner-patient relationship during an in-person exam.​

  • ​You may view 201 KAR 20:067 Professional Standards for Medicinal Cannabis here

Additional Resources:


Can an APRN prescribe Hormone Replacement Therapy with Testosterone Containing Pellets?

Hormone pellets are compounded implantable pellets for the slow release of hormones that lasts four to six months, as such APRNs are unable to prescribe hormone pellets containing testosterone as it is a schedule III-controlled substance, and prescribing of schedule III substances is limited to a 30-day supply without refills as outlined in KRS 314.011(8)(b). ​​

  • ​​You may view See KRS 314.011 here​


Can an APRN perform subcutaneous administration/insertion of hormone replacement therapy with pellet implants?

Yes, it is within the scope of advanced practice registered nursing practice for the APRN who is educationally prepared and clinically competent.

Any testosterone supply provided in quantities or duration that are greater than 30 days requires an APRN to obtain a physician's order pursuant to KRS 314.011(8)(b) for the administration of the hormone replacement therapy pellet implants and the performance of the procedure.

  • ​​You may view See KRS 314.011 here​​

Is it within the Scope of Practice for the PMHNP to Prescribe Weight Loss Medications such as Semaglutide?​

Although there is research that links psychiatric disorders and obesity, there is no clear psychological or psychiatric cause for obesity. Most of the research concludes that the biology of obesity is multifactorial and may include genetic and endocrine defects. The PMHNP has a role in working with the obese individual especially as it relates to those psychiatric conditions that contribute to the development of obesity. While a PMHNP could certainly order lab work to determine whether there is an underlying endocrine disorder that is responsible for or contributing to an individual’s weight gain; such would need to be referred to a primary care provider or an endocrinologist for management depending on the disorder. In addition, there are multiple co-morbidities that are also associated with being overweight/obese; type 2 diabetes and hypertension being the most often occurring. Both would require management by a primary care provider.

Semaglutide injections have been FDA approved for the chronic weight management in adults with obesity and at least one related condition such as type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol. The focus of an article published by the FDA seems to center around the term chronic weight management. As such, weight loss management, including the prescribing of such medication would fall under the purview of the primary care practitioner and not the PMHNP.

Please note: the FDA has received adverse event reports after patients used compounded Semaglutide. Use caution in prescribing of a compounded drug if an approved drug is not available to treat a patient. Healthcare professionals should understand that the FDA does not review compounded versions of these drugs for safety, effectiveness, or quality. Providers should be aware that some products sold as ‘Semaglutide’ may not contain the same active ingredient as FDA-approved Semaglutide products and may be the salt formulations. Products containing these salts, such as Semaglutide sodium and Semaglutide acetate, have not been shown to be safe and effective.

You may view the FDA article "​FDA’s Concerns with Unapproved GLP-1 Drugs Used for Weight Loss"​​ here.

Can an APRN prescribe Buprenorphine?

Yes, provided you are an APRN with controlled substance prescriptive authority (CAPA-CS or have independent prescribing authority through the CAPA-CS exemption).

  • You may find the administrative regulation 201 KAR 20:065 regarding Buprenorphine-MonoProduct or Buprenorphine-Combined-with-Naloxone here​.​​


Can an APRN perform Acupuncture?

APRNs may be authorized to perform additional acts due to training and experience, such as prescribing treatment, devices, and order diagnostic tests pursuant to KRS 314. 011(8).  ​

It is the opinion of the Board that the performance of acupuncture is within the scope of practice for the APRN who is currently educationally prepared and clinically competent in the performance of the procedure. Further, the APRN should maintain documentation of having completed a nationally recognized course of study in acupuncture. The performance of acupuncture should be in accordance with documented facility policy and procedures and credentialing processes, as well as current evidence-based practice. ​

  • ​You may view AOS #45 Roles of Nurses in the Performance of Complementary Procedures here.
  • You may also wish to view additional information related to the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure who license acupuncturists here.​

​Can the APRN Provide Telehealth Services for a Patient in Another State?

​201 KAR 20:520 identifies that nursing care occurs where the patient is located. Therefore, the APRN must hold an APRN license in the State where the patient is located and managed. There is no APRN nurse licensure compact. So, if the APRN wishes to provide telehealth services to a patient outside of Kentucky they would need to contact that state’s Board of Nursing to obtain licensure in that state.
  • ​​You may view 201 KAR 20:520 here.
  • You may view Advisory Opinion Statement #42 Telehealth and Nursing here.​


Can Telehealth be used when prescribing controlled substances?

Yes, as outlined in KRS 314.155(3), “‘telehealth’ means the use of interactive audio, video, or other electronic media to deliver health care. It includes the use of electronic media for diagnosis, consultation, treatment, transfer of health or medical data, and continuing education.” The term does not include audio-only telephone calls, email messages, or facsimile transactions.

One of the most important elements in patient care is the medical relationship that exists between the nurse and the patient. The relationship is termed the “practitioner-patient relationship” and is defined in KRS 218A.010 (41) used in relation to prescribing controlled substances . . . and means “a . . . relationship that exists between a patient and a practitioner or the practitioner's designee, after the practitioner or his or her designee has conducted at least one (1) good faith prior examination;”

  • You may view KRS 314.155 here.​
  • You may view KRS 218A.010 here.
  • You may view Advisory Opinion Statement #42 Telehealth and Nursing here.​​
​

Can an APRN Prescribe Across State Lines?

Care is considered to occur where the patient is located. If the patient is in Kentucky, then the APRN must be licensed in Kentucky to lawfully treat. If the patient is in another state, then the APRN will need to obtain licensure in the state where the patient is located.

However, if the patient was seen in Kentucky and the prescription is being sent across state lines according to a literature review, for nurse practitioners, state scope of practice law may take one of three approaches to handling prescriptions written by NPs licensed in another state:

  1. ​​Prescriptions written by out-of-state NPs are subject to the same rules as those written by NPs licensed in the state.
  2. ​Prescriptions written by out-of-state NPs are subject to the rules within the state in which the NP is licensed.
  3. The filling of prescriptions written by nurse practitioners licensed out of state is prohibited.

State and federal laws govern the filling of prescriptions by pharmacies which affect the APRN’s ability to prescribe. These laws specify when and how prescribing across state lines can occur. For example, the prescribing of controlled substances must occur within the boundaries of an established patient-provider relationship. The same holds true when it comes to prescribing across state lines. To fill a prescription written by a provider in another state, in states where it is allowable, the pharmacist may only do so 'in good faith' that a provider-patient relationship exists.

Overall, APRNs prescribing across state lines is allowable within the patient’s state’s prescribing guidelines. Prescribing should always occur within the scope of practice for the state within which the NP is licensed, and often within the scope of practice in the state where the prescription is filled. Before prescribing out of state, the nurse practitioner should have a thorough understanding of the prescribing law in their home state, and the state(s) where they plan to prescribe.

  • ​You may view KRS 314.155 here​.​
  • You may view KRS 218A.010 here.
  • You may view Advisory Opinion Statement #42 Telehealth and Nursing here.​


If the APRN is the Sole Provider for Care of a Patient, what Constitutes Patient Abandonment?

Patient abandonment occurs when a healthcare provider improperly terminates the healthcare provider/patient relationship.​

Patient Abandonment occurs if: ​

  • ​​A healthcare provider/patient relationship has been established; and
  • A patient who requires medical attention is refused continued treatment without giving the proper notice and adequate time to find another provider.

Healthcare providers may have a valid reason to discontinue a relationship with a patient. However, they should either refer a patient to another provider or take appropriate steps to ensure that the patient has an adequate amount of time to gain access to care.

Abandonment does not occur when:​

  • Healthcare providers do not have the necessary training or knowledge to continue treatment
  • Healthcare providers do not have the supplies or resources to continue treatment​
  • A conflict of interest arises
  • Patients violate the policies of the provider or behave inappropriately, such as verbally abusing the healthcare provider​
  • Patients repeatedly miss or cancel appointments​
  • Patients do not comply with care recommendations

What is Patient Abandonment?​

While the terms “abandonment” and “patient abandonment” are not used in the Kentucky Nursing Laws (Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 314), the Board has the authority to take disciplinary action in specific cases based on its interpretation of what constitutes professional misconduct.

In Kentucky, a nurse whose behaviors are inconsistent with the safe practice of nursing may be charged with being in violation of KRS 314.091(1)(d) “…negligently or willfully acting in a manner inconsistent with the practice of nursing….” All complaints received by the Board alleging patient abandonment are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN) has investigated and disciplined nurses for issues surrounding the concept of abandonment as it relates to the nurse’s duty to a patient.​

The position of KBN applies to the licensed practical nurse (LPN), registered nurse (RN), and advanced registered nurse practitioner (APRN).

While it is difficult to specifically state when abandonment occurs, abandonment does not occur when a nurse who cannot practice with reasonable skill and safety leaves an assignment after fulfilling the two obligations stated above. There are employment issues that do not rise to the level of patient abandonment, and thus, are not within the jurisdiction of the Board to address. Examples of employer issues include an employee “no call, no show” situation, an employee refusal to work “mandatory overtime” beyond the regularly scheduled number of hours, and employer resignation policies.

As a guide to nurses and employers, the Board advises that, in general, a nurse who has accepted responsibility for a patient assignment may leave the patient assignment only after: ​

  1. ​Communicating the need to do so with the nurse’s supervisor; and ​
  2. Exhausting all reasonable and prudent efforts to place the care of the patients in another nurse’s care.

Nurses have a professional and ethical obligation to provide for patient safety, avoid patient abandonment, and to withdraw only when assured that, nursing care is available to the patient (American Nurses Association - ANA, 2015).​


Can an APRN sign a Death Certificate?

Yes, in accordance with KRS 213.076, a death certificate may be signed by an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).

  • ​You may view KRS 213.076 here.
  • You may view Advisory Opinion Statement #36 Resuscitation Orders, Pronouncement of Death, and Death Certificates here.​​​

What is the Scope of Practice for the APRN?

APRNs are licensed, independent practitioners, NPs practice autonomously and in coordination with health care professionals and other individuals. APRN scope of practice is not setting specific.
​
An APRN may work in almost any setting provided that the needs of the patients for whom they are providing care falls within their professional scope of practice; consistent with the APRN Consensus Model, that describes the four (4) roles and the recognized population foci. ​

Scope of practice can evolve and change through experience, clinical competency, evidence-based practice, research, technology, legislation, and changes in the healthcare system. When seeking to acquire new skills or activities an APRN may wish to consider whether the new skill is:
  • ​​​​Consistent with the professional scope and standards of practice in which the APRN has received national certification and licensure (role and population focus). 
  • Consistent with state and federal laws.​
Further, the APRN will be expected to be able to provide documentation for how the APRN become educationally prepared and clinically competent to perform a newly acquired skill. One method for demonstrating educational preparation and clinical competence is through obtaining relevant certifications within a specialty area. Another method would be to create a portfolio of trainings, workshops, and continuing education that demonstrates the acquisition of additional knowledge and clinical competency in the specialty area.​

  • ​​You may find Kentucky Nursing laws related to APRN Practice on the KBN website here.​

How can I Determine if a Particular Task is within My Scope of Practice?

When the performance of a specific act is not definitively addressed in the Kentucky Nursing Laws or an advisory opinion of the Board, the nurse must exercise professional judgment in determining whether the performance of the act is within the scope of practice for which the individual nurse is licensed. The KBN has developed a decision-making model that provides guidelines to nurses in determining whether a selected act is within an individual nurse’s scope of practice. ​
  • ​You may view Advisory Opinion Statement #41 RN/LPN/APRN Scope of Practice Determination Guidelines, which can assist in determining if the task is within your scope of practice here.​​

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