Scope of practice

Physicians, paramedical personnel, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, aides, technicians, therapists, and many other specialists deliver health care in the current system. The uncertainty is the division of authority and responsibility, the right of dominion and control, and the appropriate legal manner in which quality assurance can be achieved. The public needs to know to whom they may look for the purpose of response to needs, and responsibility for actions outside the scope of licensed and permitted activities. Practitioners also need to know--in order to avoid prosecution, conviction, fine, imprisonment, and loss of livelihood through loss of license.