Are medical supplies tax deductible?

[Jennifer0512]

So I was watching an old episode of ER (season 4) and although I know that tv shows aren't always realistic it got me thinking... Dr. Carter mentioned to a fellow intern in the episode that medical supplies were tax deductible. Is that true? I'm studying to be a pediatric NP and had to buy multiple stethoscope sizes, an otoscope, an ophthalmoscope, plus a lot of less expensive medical items. This adds up to a lot of $$ and hadn't even thought I could claim it on my taxes!!

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

I don't believe this is going to go under business expenses unless you are part of a business. If you are a student, things can get deducted but you have to be very careful. See a tax adviser and let us know! :)

That's my thought. I don't know if you are able to claim those items as a student since technically you are not a NP--you're just learning to be one. If you were an employed nurse as well as a NP student, then you could probably claim the supplies as business expenses...of course, if ever audited you may have to demonstrate how you use these items in the course of your nursing practice (and not the NP education).

However, you should really talk to a tax advisor as they have the best answer.