Advisory Opinion Statements

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Advisory Opinion Statements

The KBN receives and reviews inquiries related to scope of practice of nurses.
When multiple inquiries are received on the same practice matter, the Board may issue an AOS for wide dissemination.

AOSs are opinions of the Board as to what constitutes safe nursing practice providing guidance to nurses.
They do not have the force and effect of a statute or regulation.

How is an AOS prepared?

To develop an AOS, the KBN reviews the following items to gather current, relevant, and evidence based information on each matter:

Previous related inquires;
Kentucky Nursing Law statues and regulations;
Existing AOSs;
Published Scope and Standards of Practice Statements by professional national nursing organizations;
Relevant information from state professional nursing organizations;
Educational preparation provided by Programs of Nursing to LPNs, RNs, and APRNs in Kentucky;
Information related to practice issues from nurses and other professional in relevant practice settings;
Literature published in current professional nursing journals;
Cross jurisdictional information from other state agencies in and outside of the Commonwealth;
Applicable opinions issued by the Kentucky Attorney General; and
Other related materials.

KBN Advisory Opinion Statements Indexes

Advisory Opinion Statements Index by number. A link to each AOS is provided in the Advisory Opinion Statements Index.

Advisory Opinion Statements Index

Information on the topics addressed within AOS is listed within the AOS Content Index.

Kentucky Board of Nursing AOS Content Index

Who can I contact for practice related questions?

Nursing Practice Consultant, for questions related to RN or LPN practice.
Professional Support Branch Manager and APRN Education & Practice Consultant, for questions regarding APRNs.

How can I request an advisory opinion?

To request an advisory opinion, please submit the following items to the KBN at least 45 days prior to a Practice Committee Meeting or APRN Advisory Council Meeting.

Submission of a completed Request for Advisory Opinion Form to include background materials.

Get the Request for Advisory Opinion Form

A detailed written request for an advisory opinion related to a specific nursing practice;
Existing literature and/or evidence-based research related to the subject;
Information on Scope and Standards of Practice issued by the appropriate nationally recognized professional organization;
Position statements and opinions from professional organizations;
Information about necessary education or training; and
Description of “Scope of Practice Determination Guidelines” inadequacy to address issue.

How do I submit the advisory opinion request?

For RN/LPN nursing practice matters, please submit all items to the Nursing Practice Consultant
For APRN nursing practice matters, please submit all items to the Professional Support Branch Supervisor and APRN Education & Practice Consultant

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