02/26/2026

You Asked... We Answered

You Asked: How can a facility determine if a specific procedure or activity is within a nurse’s scope of practice?

We Answered: LeadingAge Ohio frequently receives questions about whether a specific activity is within an LPN’s scope of practice or whether a particular task may be delegated to a nursing assistant. Scope and delegation questions are common, especially as facilities work to ensure appropriate staffing, compliance, and resident safety. The Ohio Board of Nursing (OBN) has provided an FAQ resource to assist with these determinations. 

Additionally, the statutory scope of practice for registered nurses (RNs) is outlined in Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Section 4723.01(B), and the scope for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) is found in ORC Section 4723.01(F). These sections define the legal parameters of nursing practice in Ohio.

To evaluate whether a specific procedure or activity is within scope, the Board directs nurses to use the Decision Making Model available on the Ohio Board of Nursing website. This structured framework helps nurses assess whether the activity is permitted under law, supported by education and competency, and consistent with employer policy.