Section 17-5414. SCOPE OF PRACTICE

 

5414.1The practice of registered nursing means the performance of acts requiring substantial specialized knowledge, judgment, and skill based upon the principles of the biological, physical, behavioral, and social sciences in the following:

 

(a)The observation, comprehensive assessment, evaluation and recording of physiological and behavioral signs and symptoms of health, disease, and injury, including the performance of examinations and testing and their evaluation for the purpose of identifying the needs of the client and family;

 

(b)The development of a comprehensive nursing plan that establishes nursing diagnoses, sets goals to meet identified health care needs, and prescribes and implements nursing interventions of a therapeutic, preventive, and restorative nature in response to an assessment of the client's requirements;

 

(c)The performance of services, counseling, advocating, and education for the safety, comfort, personal hygiene, and protection of clients, the prevention of disease and injury, and the promotion of health in individuals, families, and communities, which may include psychotherapeutic intervention, referral, and consultation;

 

(d)The administration of medications and treatment as prescribed by a legally authorized healthcare professional licensed in the District of Columbia;

 

(e)The administration of nursing services including:

 

(1)Delegating and assigning nursing interventions to implement the plan of care;

 

(2)Managing, supervising, and evaluating the practice of nursing;

 

(3)Developing organization-wide client care programs, policies, and procedures that identify the processes to be utilized by nursing personnel to assess, identify, evaluate, and meet the needs of the clients or population served;

 

(4)Developing and implementing an organizational plan for providing nursing services;

 

(5)Implementing an ongoing program to assess, measure, evaluate and improve the quality of nursing care being offered or provided; and

 

(6)Providing an environment for the maintenance of safe and effective nursing care.

 

(f)Evaluating responses and outcomes to interventions and the effectiveness of the plan of care;

 

(g)Promoting a safe and therapeutic environment;

 

(h)The education and training of person(s) in the direct and indirect nursing care of the client;

 

(i)Communicating and collaborating with other health care team members and professionals in the development of the plan of care, management of the client's health care, and the implementation of the total health care regimen;

 

(j)Teaching the theory and practice of nursing;

 

(k)Acquiring and applying critical new knowledge and technologies to the practice setting; and

 

(l)The pursuit of nursing research to advance and enhance the practice of nursing.

 

5414.2A registered nurse may provide nursing services, which are beyond the basic nursing preparation for a registered nurse, if the registered nurse has the appropriate education, knowledge, competency, and training to safely perform the services.

 

5414.3A registered nurse shall wear a pictured identification badge with lettering clearly visible to a client bearing the name of the registered nurse and the title "Registered Nurse" or "R.N.".

 

source

Final Rulemaking published at 51 DCR 8613 (September 3, 2004).