Scope of Clinical Practice

Within Scope and Outside Scope Care

Generally WITHIN SCOPE means to work within professional limitations to provide basic information and advice through the provision of general nationally endorsed public health information that will educate and support positive client health outcomes.

Generally OUTSIDE SCOPE means the provision of advice or treatment outside of basic information and nationally endorsed guidelines.

Scope of Practice Awareness

As you progress through your clinical education it is important to consider what is an appropriate level of weight management advice that you can give as part of your role as a heath care provider whilst remaining within your scope of practice. Scope of practice is dynamic and can change with experience and additional training. It is also different across countries. Different healthcare professions, interests, focus areas and specialisations can be quite broad and so ultimately it is up to you to decide whether or not something falls within your scope of practice.

Your scope of practice is dictated by your competence, awareness of the laws and compliance with safeguards. Please watch this short YouTube clip from the Australian Physiotherapy Association which describes the dynamic nature of scope of practice, defined by these three core elements.

Here are some questions you should consider to help you determine if a specific activity falls into your scope of clinical practice:

• Are you competent to undertake the activity? (Do you have the necessary skills, knowledge and qualifications?)
• Would your peers also deem you to be competent to undertake the activity?
• Do you know what the safeguards are for the activity?
• Are the appropriate safeguards in place to prevent or respond to an adverse event?
• Are you happy to work within the safeguards?
• Is the activity within the law or regulations of your profession?

If you answer NO to ANY question, the activity may be outside of your scope of practice and you should refer to another healthcare professional.