Explanation should reflect an understanding of
- the concept of scope of practice
- the people and organizations that define scope of practice (e.g., accrediting agencies, employers)
- the legal and ethical ramifications of working outside one’s scope of practice
- the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA).
Process/Skill Questions:
- How is scope of practice typically defined in laboratory activities?
- How can medical laboratory professionals determine their applicable scope of practice?
- What are the potential consequences to the patient and to the employee and employer when a medical laboratory professional works outside his or her scope of practice?
- What opportunities exist for a future expansion of the scope of practice?