RN in a weight loss clinic no MD present?

Hi all, I'm new, but I have a burning question so here goes

My friend goes to a weight loss clinic and receives B12 injections from the nurse there. She says there is not a doctor present, but that the program is designed by one. The only staff present is a nutritionist, a nurse and two weight loss counselors.

Does that sound right? Last edit by Silverdragon102 on Jan 10, '11 : Reason: TOS, pm to member
Legal questions are best answered by a lawyer.

In California we have standardized procedures regulated by BRN. In certain cases clinics only need a MD to be available by phone. http://www.rn.ca.gov/pdfs/regulations/npr-b-03.pdf

Sounds legit. There are a number of clinics around here and Columbus that are owned by a husband/wife and they visit each of them one day a week. Other than that nurses and counselors run it on a daily basis.

thank you for your replies!

A weight loss clinic here in my city offers b-12 injections, diet shakes, meal plans, weigh in, etc, but there is not a doctor present 100% of the time.No one at that office uses appetite suppressants, which could also make a difference in physician presence. If you RX a lot of appetite suppressants, you tend to have a doctor present more often.

I know when dispensing medications, they generally use NP's. That work under a Doc.

rn's in free standing practices have worked for years under standing orders: office based/facility policy & procedure or individual patient orders in chart when physicians are not present in clinics when permitted by state practice acts. link to all boards of nursing found bottom every webpage.at children's summer camp, i was permitted to give any med that doctor personally obtained for camp and placed in medication cabinet under lock and key with written guidelines for tx stomach ache, colds, insect bites etc. made sure that all med orders for multiple doses had written order and made up individual kardex to chart dose given or child refusal. i did refuse to give im bicillin that was yellowed and 1 yr out of date that doc had brought from their office refrig: doc gave the injection....knowing when not to give med or follow policy and contacting physician important.

Quote from haveyouheardHi all, I'm new, but I have a burning question so here goesMy friend goes to a weight loss clinic and receives B12 injections from the nurse there. She says there is not a doctor present, but that the program is designed by one. The only staff present is a nutritionist, a nurse and two weight loss counselors. Does that sound right?