[SOLVED 2025] Analyze the similarities and differences between the standards of practice and scope of practice as defined by these entities

Analyze the similarities and differences between the standards of practice and scope of practice as defined by these entities

Module 7 Assignment

Write a 500-750 word essay addressing each of the following points/questions. Be sure to completely answer all the questions for each bullet point. Separate each section in your paper with a clear heading that allows your professor to know which bullet you are addressing in that section of your paper. Support your ideas with at least three (3) sources in your essay. Review the rubric criteria for this assignment.

Find your regulating body’s standards of practice and review the IAFN/ANA Forensic Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice. Then, address the following topics in your essay:

1. Analyze the similarities and differences between the standards of practice and scope of practice as defined by these entities.
2. Discuss the importance of professional organizations and certifications to develop professionalism in forensic specialty practice.
3. Define your areas of strength and weaknesses regarding forensic practice. What are your goals for future practice? What limitation can you self-identify and how can you address these areas?
4. Reflect back on what you thought a forensic nurse was at the beginning of the course and what you have learned about forensic nursing. What surprises or new information did you gain about the role of the forensic nurse?

Required Sources

DeGruy, J. (2018, November 8). Post traumatic slave syndrome. How is it different from PTSD? [Video]. YouTube.

Rorgjdvphek International Association of Forensic Nurses. (n.d.). Forensic nurses’ position papers. https://www.forensicnurses.org/page/PositionPapers

Proctor & Gamble. (2020, June 2). The look. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJav36Nbn58&t=11s

Expert Answer and Explanation

Analyze the similarities and differences between the standards of practice and scope of practice as defined by these entities

Several standards of practice deal with assessment, diagnosis, planning, and implementation. The differences and similarities are shown in the table below

Discuss the importance of professional organizations and certifications to develop professionalism in forensic specialty practice

Professional development involves acquiring new skills and certifications by continuously training forensic specialists. These professional certifications and organizations will ensure standard practice and procedures across regions dealing with forensic issues (Passalacqua & Pilloud, 2021). They act as an acceptable competency baseline in the field. Different standards pose a risk of giving different outcomes even in the same cases making the results to be inapplicable in some cases.

In a world faced with changing technology, there is a need for additional education by practitioners in the field to ensure the adaption of technology (Passalacqua & Pilloud, 2021). Science is changing the practice, and the certifications with the professional bodies will be evidence enough that the practitioner is well-versed in the field.

Professional certifications come with a code of ethics, meaning that the certified individuals have met and abide by the code of ethics. The accrediting bodies will not want their reputation to be questioned by unethical. The practitioners themselves will act ethically so that they do not get locked out of future certifications.

The organizations and certifications also bring together like-minded forensic experts and help propel them career-wise and in the industry (Passalacqua & Pilloud, 2021). They also give the experts a unified and powerful voice to raise any concerns within the profession.

Define your areas of strength and weaknesses regarding forensic practice. What are your goals for future practice? What limitation can you self-identify and how can you address these areas?

The area I have found interesting is that the career is important and fulfilling, especially when it involves ensuring the safety of the public and solving crimes. My work has been used in courts of law to ensure that dangerous criminals are out behind bars (Drake et al., 2018). The other strength is that the career deals with many other fields of medicine and even the criminal justice system. I am good at this since I enjoy reading about other fields and interacting with other professionals in my professional life. The profession is quite diversified, and as a practitioner, I always find all my skills useful.

The weaknesses in the practice have been the nature of work, as sometimes victims’ bodies are found in bad conditions (Drake et al., 2018). When they are brought into the laboratory, the forensic staff have to spend considerable time on the bodies and with chemicals to determine the cause of death. Some scenes are too gruesome and will result in mental health issues later on the practitioners.

One of the initiatives I have opted for is seeking counselling to deal with gruesome images and scenes likely to affect me (Drake et al., 2018). Counsellors will always find a way of ensuring that the work environment does not harm the personal lives of practitioners.

Reflect back on what you thought a forensic nurse was at the beginning of the course and what you have learned about forensic nursing. What surprises or new information did you gain about the role of the forensic nurse?

At the commencement of the course, my understanding of forensic nursing was simply the individual who worked in laboratories to determine the cause of death using various techniques (Rorgjdvphek International Association of Forensic Nurses, n.d). I also thought forensic experts would not regularly work with law enforcement agencies. As the course has progressed, I have established that I must write about the methods I use and any discoveries made (Drake et al., 2018). I have also established that I will often be called upon to identify suspects and victims whose bodies are destroyed/deformed beyond recognition.

One of the surprises along the way has been that there are many opportunities for employment within law enforcement just as much as within hospitals and laboratories (Drake et al., 2018). The police, for instance, have crime scene investigative experts who are supposed to be qualified forensic experts who will often ensure that all evidence at crime scenes is collected and pictured. This is a career path I have developed an interest in pursuing.

References

Drake, S. A., Koetting, C., Thimsen, K., Downing, N., Porta, C., Hardy, P., … & Engebretson, J. (2018). Forensic nursing state of the science: Research and practice opportunities. Journal of Forensic Nursing, 14(1), 3-10.

IAFP. (2023). International Association of Forensic Psychotherapy. https://www.forensicpsychotherapy.org/

Melbourn, H., Smith, G., McFarland, J., Rogers, M., Wieland, K., DeWilde, D., … & Guarino, L. (2019). Mandatory certification of forensic science practitioners in the United States: A supportive perspective. Forensic Science International: Synergy, 1, 161-169.

Passalacqua, N. V., & Pilloud, M. A. (2021). The need to professionalize forensic anthropology. European Journal of Anatomy, 25(S2), 35-47.

Rorgjdvphek International Association of Forensic Nurses. (n.d.). Forensic nurses’ position papers. https://www.forensicnurses.org/page/PositionPapers

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Analysis of the Similarities and Differences Between Standards of Practice and Scope of Practice

Introduction

Healthcare professionals across all disciplines must navigate two fundamental concepts that define their professional boundaries and responsibilities: standards of practice and scope of practice. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they represent distinct aspects of healthcare regulation and professional competency. This comprehensive analysis examines the similarities and differences between standards of practice and scope of practice as defined by major healthcare entities, providing clarity for professionals seeking to understand their professional obligations.

Understanding Scope of Practice: Definition and Framework

What is Scope of Practice?

Scope of practice refers to the specific activities, procedures, and services that a licensed healthcare professional is legally permitted to perform based on their education, training, and regulatory authorization. According to the American Medical Association (AMA), scope of practice encompasses “those activities that a person licensed to practice as a health professional is permitted to perform.”

Key Characteristics of Scope of Practice

Scope of Practice Examples by Healthcare Discipline

Nursing Scope of Practice:

• Assessment and monitoring of patient conditions
• Administration of medications
• Patient education and counseling
• Wound care and basic procedures
• Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams

Physical Therapy Scope of Practice:

• Movement assessment and analysis
• Therapeutic exercise prescription
• Manual therapy techniques
• Modality application
• Patient and family education

Understanding Standards of Practice: Definition and Framework

What are Standards of Practice?

Standards of practice represent the minimum level of professional competency and quality of care expected from healthcare professionals within their scope of practice. The American Nurses Association (ANA) defines standards of practice as “authoritative statements of the duties that all registered nurses, regardless of role, population, or specialty, are expected to perform competently.”

The 5 Standards of Nursing Practice (ANA Framework)

Standards of Practice Examples Across Healthcare Disciplines

Medical Standards of Practice:

• Evidence-based treatment protocols
• Patient safety procedures
• Documentation requirements
• Continuing education mandates
• Ethical practice guidelines

Pharmacy Standards of Practice:

• Medication dispensing accuracy
• Patient counseling protocols
• Drug interaction screening
• Prescription verification processes
• Immunization administration standards

Comparative Analysis: Similarities Between Standards and Scope of Practice

1. Professional Regulation Foundation

Both standards of practice and scope of practice serve as regulatory frameworks that:

• Ensure public safety and protection
• Maintain professional accountability
• Establish minimum competency requirements
• Guide disciplinary actions when violated

2. Educational and Training Requirements

3. Legal and Ethical Implications

Both concepts:

• Carry legal consequences for violations
• Require adherence to professional ethics
• Involve regulatory oversight and enforcement
• Impact malpractice and liability considerations

4. Quality Assurance Mechanisms

Common Quality Assurance Elements:

• Peer review processes
• Performance monitoring systems
• Incident reporting requirements
• Continuous improvement initiatives
• Patient outcome measurements

Key Differences Between Standards and Scope of Practice

1. Fundamental Purpose and Function

2. Development and Authority

Standards of Practice Development:

• Professional organizations (ANA, AMA, etc.)
• Evidence-based research
• Expert consensus
• Peer review processes
• Regular updates based on best practices

Scope of Practice Development:

• State legislative bodies
• Regulatory agencies
• Legal statutes and rules
• Administrative procedures
• Formal amendment processes

3. Enforcement Mechanisms

4. Geographic Variations

Standards of Practice:

• Generally consistent across jurisdictions
• Professional organizations provide national guidelines
• Evidence-based practices transcend borders
• Specialty standards may vary by organization

Scope of Practice:

• Varies significantly by state/province
• Interstate practice may require additional licensing
• Compact agreements facilitate mobility
• Local regulations may impose additional restrictions

Entity-Specific Definitions and Applications

American Nurses Association (ANA) Framework

The ANA’s “Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice” provides the most comprehensive framework for understanding these concepts in nursing:

ANA Scope Definition:

• Describes the “who, what, where, when, why, and how” of nursing practice
• Encompasses the full range of nursing activities
• Includes roles, responsibilities, and accountabilities

ANA Standards Definition:

• Authoritative statements of professional duties
• Minimum competency expectations
• Framework for evaluation and improvement

American Medical Association (AMA) Approach

The AMA focuses primarily on scope of practice issues, particularly in relation to:

• Physician practice boundaries
• Non-physician provider scope expansion
• Patient safety considerations
• Healthcare delivery optimization

Specialty Organization Perspectives

Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS):

• Scope defines specific sonographic procedures
• Standards address technical competency
• Emphasis on patient safety and diagnostic accuracy

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA):

• Scope encompasses movement system expertise
• Standards focus on evidence-based practice
• Integration of both concepts in clinical decision-making

Statistical Analysis: Impact on Healthcare Delivery

Scope of Practice Expansion Trends

Standards Compliance Metrics

Healthcare Quality Outcomes Related to Standards Implementation:

Professional Development Implications

Career Advancement Considerations

Standards of Practice Impact:

• Professional recognition and advancement
• Specialty certification opportunities
• Leadership role eligibility
• Research and publication opportunities

Scope of Practice Impact:

• Practice setting limitations
• Revenue generation potential
• Collaborative practice arrangements
• Independent practice capabilities

Educational Requirements Matrix

Regulatory Challenges and Future Directions

Current Challenges

Scope of Practice Challenges:

• Interstate practice barriers
• Technology integration issues
• Workforce shortage responses
• Interprofessional collaboration needs

Standards of Practice Challenges:

• Evidence-based practice integration
• Technology adaptation requirements
• Measurement and assessment difficulties
• Resource allocation constraints

Future Trends and Recommendations

Emerging Trends:

1. Telehealth Integration: Expanding both scope and standards for virtual care
2. Artificial Intelligence: Incorporating AI tools within practice frameworks
3. Interprofessional Collaboration: Overlapping scopes requiring clear standards
4. Value-Based Care: Aligning both concepts with outcome measurements

Recommendations for Healthcare Professionals:

• Stay informed about regulatory changes
• Participate in professional development activities
• Engage in quality improvement initiatives
• Advocate for evidence-based practice expansion

Implementation Strategies for Healthcare Organizations

Best Practices for Scope and Standards Integration

Measurement and Evaluation Framework

Key Performance Indicators:

• Compliance rates with established standards
• Scope-related incident reporting
• Professional development participation
• Patient outcome measurements
• Regulatory compliance scores

Conclusion

The analysis of similarities and differences between standards of practice and scope of practice reveals two complementary yet distinct concepts essential to healthcare professional regulation. While scope of practice defines the legal boundaries of what professionals can do, standards of practice establish how those activities should be performed to ensure quality and safety.

Healthcare professionals must understand both concepts to practice effectively within their professional boundaries while maintaining the highest standards of patient care. As healthcare continues to evolve with technological advances and changing patient needs, both scope and standards will require ongoing evaluation and adaptation.

The integration of these concepts requires coordinated efforts from professional organizations, regulatory bodies, healthcare institutions, and individual practitioners. Success depends on clear communication, ongoing education, and commitment to evidence-based practice improvement.

For healthcare professionals navigating these concepts, the key is to view scope and standards not as limitations but as frameworks that enable safe, effective, and professional practice while protecting both practitioners and the patients they serve.