Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.
allnurses

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.
Discussion

OTC recommendations allowed?

Does anyone know if CA RN's can recommend OTC meds and supplements? I've read section 2725 but don't see any mention of this, just drug dispensing regulations. Any one know ? Thank you in advance!

Jen

  • Quote

    • Featured Replies

    • Experts

    There is another thread going on this subject. Up to you what you are willing to do. If you want an interpretationn of the practice act, you can send a written inquiry to the Board and look for their response.

  • Quote
    • Author

    Thank you Caliotter, I hate to admit I'm sick of trying to get the BON on the phone and just never realized I could email them too (!). I did and if they respond I'll post answer here.

    Jen

  • Quote
    • Experts

    Either I had an instructor who contacted them with questions or I have read where individuals have contacted the Board in writing with questions on practice, and the Board responded with written answers. There are also position papers about various subjects on the website.

  • Quote
    • Author

    For anyone elsewondering, here is the corresponsdence w/ BON. I've only removed my personal info;

    From: NEC BRN

    To: [email protected]>

    Sent: Mon, July 19, 2010 11:35:48 AM

    Subject: RE: Scope of practice question

    Hello xxxxxx,

    The Board of Registered Nursing does not distinguish between OTC and prescription medications. Any recommendation would be considered prescribing, which is the practice of medicine. This would be the same for vitamins and other supplements as well.

    While it is true that CA does not regulate "nutritional counselors," licensed RNs are held to a different, higher standard based on their practice act.

    From:[email protected]]

    Sent: Friday, July 16, 2010 10:45 AM

    To: NEC BRN

    Subject: Re: Scope of practice question

    Hello again. Please let me clarify my question.

    1. Is it allowed to recommend over the counter, nonprescription medications that are sold at grocery stores etc ?

    2. Is it allowed to recommend vitamins ?

    3. Is it allowed to recommend nutritional aides or supplements- such as sports drinks?

    4. Is it allowed to do any nutritional counseling once having received additional training? I ask because there are no state licensing requirements to do nutritional counseling at this time in CA.

    Thank you again,

    xxxxxxx,RN

    From: NEC BRN

    To: [email protected]>

    Sent: Fri, July 16, 2010 10:01:22 AM

    Subject: RE: Scope of practice question

    Yes, an RN cannot recommend any medications as this is the practice of medicine and can only be done by a doctor's order.

    ________________________________________

    From:[email protected]]

    Sent: Thursday, July 15, 2010 7:01 PM

    To: NEC BRN

    Subject: Scope of practice question

    Hello,

    I am wondering if the BON prohibits RN's from recommending OTC medications, vitamins or nutritional aides as an independent action? I've read 2725 and it doesn't mention this, only drugs. A group of us would like interpretation.

    Thank you,

    xxxxxxxx

  • Quote
    • Experts

    Thank you for contributing this. Should answer question for many CA nurses.

  • Quote

    • Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

    Guest
    Add a Comment
    Go to topic listing

    Currently Reading 0

    • No registered users viewing this page.

    Account

    Navigation

    Search

    Search

    Configure browser push notifications
    Chrome (Android)
    1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
    2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
    3. Adjust your preference.
    Chrome (Desktop)
    1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
    2. Select Site settings.
    3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.