Is it legal? What's your opinion??

[Ryan11011]

I was recently surfing the net and came across the following web page -- http://www.pcpediatrics.net/officestaff.html

As I read the bios of the office staff I couldn't help but notice that they referred to medical assistants as nurses. I've been under the impression that the only people who could use the title 'nurse' are LPN's or RN's. Also, I was wondering if it is legal for a medical assistant to do telephone triage. What are your thoughts?

[nurs4kids]

I received this reply from the Utah Board of Nursing, following my email to them about this website. It seems to me that they are saying that the assistants serving as triage nurses is within the legal scope of practice. ?? The website WAS changed before they had a chance to view it.Subj:

Re: [DOPL Feedback] Misrepresentation as a nurse

Date:11/20/01 11:35:48 AM Central Standard Time

From:[email protected] (Robert Downard)

To:[email protected]

CC:[email protected] (Steve Davis)

I am an investigative supervisor at the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.

I read your complaint. I also visited the website. The only person listed as a nurse on the current website is Marilee Shiner, a licensed RN under interstate compact. The rest of the staff are listed as medical assistants.

This appears to take care of the licensing issue and as far as the practice issue, as long as Shiner is on board and supervising there does not appear to be any problem. This site appear to be no different than some of the "call a nurse" operations operating throughout the Wasatch Front to answer basic questions and make medical referrals.

Thank you for taking the time to send you concerns. We will monitor and take appropriate action as deemed necessary.

btw.. I, too, received the form letter from the doc.

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Spoke with the Utah State Nurses Association Monday. They will periodically scheck the website. Before e-mailing the doctor i DOWNLOADED on paper the webite info and faxed that to Utah State Nursing Association.

Think I will e-mail this investigator to see if he wants copy of this info to keep the doctor on his toes.

Wonder what the DOC said to his associates Monday AM???

Per Utah SNA "Score one for nurses!"

[nurs4kids]

Smart move, downloading that site, Karen! I kinda felt like that guy thought I was crazy because it had been corrected before he saw it..lol. Thanks to you, I don't seem quite so crazy, now.