Scope of Practice & Employment

Research staff are responsible for acting in accordance with their scope of practice/employment, the research protocol(s), research team/site standard operating procedures, research policies and other Capital Health policies and procedures.

Why it is important to know what is meant by scope of practice and employment?

Capital Health staff are expected to act within their scope of practice and/or scope of employment. Acting outside of one’s scope of practice/employment may result in unintentional patient injury or harm and the staff member may be held personally liable for malpractice or negligence. It is essential that we ensure Capital Health staff act within appropriate scopes of practice to ensure patient and staff are protected.

What is scope of practice and scope of employment?

A health care professional is an individual who is licensed and qualified to practice in a particular health care discipline. Each health care discipline has a scope of practice which defines the activities or competencies which may be conducted by the practitioner. Examples of health disciplines include (but are not limited to) registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, respiratory therapists, dietitians, physiotherapists and occupational therapists. Some health disciplines also have post-entry level competencies which are skills that may be within the scope of practice but beyond entry-level competencies (refer to P&P CC 02-010). These skills require additional education and demonstration of competency. Employees who are not health care professionals and do not possess scope of practice rely on their scope of employment or job description to define their activities.

What should I do if I have questions or concerns related to my scope of practice/employment?

If you are unsure if an activity or skill is appropriate for you to engage in or have questions about required training for performing an activity or skill, contact the Program Manager Research Education