Board of Nursing Practice Opinion Summary
(04/09)

Practice Opinion Summary 2008-2009: Scope of Registered Nursing Practice in the Administration of IV Fentanyl for the Purpose of Analgesia (4-2009)

• It was the advisory opinion of the Board that the administration of Fentanyl to the mechanically ventilated patient in a critical care setting for sedation is within the scope of registered nursing practice.
• The registered nurse administering Fentanyl should have documented education preparation related to this drug, including use, actions, side effects and cautions.

Read the Board of Nursing Practice Opinion Summary  

KBN Advisory Opinion Statement #32: Intravenous Administration of Medications for Sedation by Nurses (2-2009) – Page 2
 
Administration, Management and Monitoring by Registered Nurses

It is within the scope of registered nursing practice to manage the care of patients receiving IV sedation during therapeutic, diagnostic, or surgical procedures provided the following criteria are met:

• Administration of IV sedation medications by non-anesthetist RNs is allowed by institutional policy, procedures, and protocol.
• Specified knowledge, training, supervision, and institutional requirements are met.

Read KBN Advisory Opinion Statement #32

Practice Opinion Summary 2003-2004: Roles of RNs and ARNP Designated Nurse Practitioners in the Administration of Propofol (Diprivan) for Procedural Sedation (5-24-2005)

• In December 2003 and April 2004, the Board reaffirmed Advisory Opinion Statement #32 Intravenous Administration of Medications for Sedation by Nurses (see above).
• In June 2004, approved revisions to AOS #32.

Read the Board of Nursing Practice Opinion Summary

KBN Advisory Opinion Statement #28: Roles Of Nurses and Unlicensed Nursing Personnel in Endoscopic Procedures (2-2005)- Page 3

RN Role

It is within the scope of registered nursing practice for a registered nurse (RN) to:

• Administer medications via a direct intravenous route
• Provide nursing care for a patient undergoing endoscopy procedures when the patient is:
  • Receiving anesthesia which should be administered only by a physician or advanced registered nurse practitioner (ARNP) designated nurse anesthetist; or
  • Receiving intravenous medications for conscious sedation which should be administered only by a physician, ARNP or registered nurse; and/or
  • When a patient's condition is unstable or unpredictable.

Read KBN Advisory Opinion Statement #28