32 Scopes of Practice

Scopes of practice dictate what a regulated healthcare provider can and cannot perform from a legislative perspective.  This does not mean that every healthcare provider has the ability or competence to perform all tasks associated with that profession (Canadian Medical Protective Association, 2022). All healthcare providers are responsible for recognizing their competence and limitations. Furthermore, if required, they need to embark on continuing professional development.

It is everyone’s responsibility to be curious and to ask their colleagues about their scope of practice, knowledge, skills, experience and comfort level to safely carry out a specific task. Refer to provincial/territorial legislation for scopes of practice.

“Working to optimal scope means achieving the most effective configuration of professional roles as determined by other healthcare professionals’ relative competencies and health system needs.”

(Nelson et al., 2014 as cited in Bourgeault (Ed.), p. 18)