DHHS Internet Website - Public Health

Registered Nurse/Licensed Practical Nurse
Advisory Opinions

The Nebraska Board of Nursing has the authority to issue advisory opinions in accordance with  Neb. Rev. Stat. § 38-2216. As such, all advisory opinions are for informational purposes only and are non-binding.

Regardless whether the Board has issued an opinion determining that a specific activity is "within" the nursing scope of practice, a licensed nurse is accountable to be competent for all nursing care that he/she provides. Competence means the ability of the nurse to apply interpersonal, technical and decision-making skills at the level of knowledge consistent with the prevailing standard for the nursing activity being applied. Individual competency varies among nurses; when a nurse does not personally have the competence to perform an activity, such activity is "outside the scope" of practice for that nurse.

Accountability also includes acknowledgement of personal limitations in knowledge and skills, and communicating the need for specialized instruction prior to providing any nursing activity. Please see the Advisory Opinion on Accountability for Professional Conduct for further information on accountability for nurses to acquire and maintain competence.

To view the Advisory Opinions issued by the Nebraska Board of Nursing, click here.