OTC recommendations allowed?

caliotter3 · Jul 15, 2010

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.

Gingilly · Jul 16, 2010

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

caliotter3 · Jul 17, 2010

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.

Gingilly · Jul 19, 2010

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

caliotter3 · Jul 19, 2010

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