Is this out of scope of practice?

1 I work in an outpatient facility w/ dept of mental health. Our clinical director feels that clinicians who work in our agency can authorize state beds for clients being admitted to their hospital. I disagree. I feel as the clinical director this is her role and not mine. I am a R N with an Outpt agency and feel I should not be authorizing input beds for ER. IS THIS OUT OF SCOPE OF PRACTICE? Last edit by Joe V on Apr 24, '13
Please forgive me, Maddy, but I'm experiencing some difficulty assimilating this situation:Quote from Maddyd Our clinical director feels that clinicians who work in our agency can authorize state beds for clients being admitted to their hospital.

In some states, an RN can start the emergency detention (hold) process. But ultimately to be admitted, a psychiatrist has to agree with your assessment. I've never heard of RN's being able to "direct admit" to a psych hospital or ER.

Scope of practice would be defined in your Nurse Practice Act, which may be available online. At the very least, you could consult with someone at the BON

"Scope of practice" has a very specific definition as defined by your state BoN. It sounds to me as if yours is a job description (and maybe a state DMH regulation) issue.As classicdame says, you can check out your scope of practice online, or get the ANA Scope and Standards of Practice at Amazon. For the job description or state reg issue, you must have access to those at your place of employment or contact the state agency with oversight.

Quote from salvadordollyIn some states, an RN can start the emergency detention (hold) process. But ultimately to be admitted, a psychiatrist has to agree with your assessment. I've never heard of RN's being able to "direct admit" to a psych hospital or ER.