What document outlines the nurse's authority to prescribe and administer medications?

The State Nurse Practice Act is the document that establishes the legal framework within which nurses operate, including their authority to prescribe and administer medications. Each state has its own Nurse Practice Act, which defines the scope of nursing practice, competencies, and responsibilities for nurses within that jurisdiction. This act provides guidelines on various aspects of nursing practice, ensuring that nurses are practicing within their legal parameters and maintaining patient safety.

Local Hospital Policies may address specific procedures related to medication administration within that institution, but they do not confer the authority to prescribe. National Health Guidelines can influence nursing practices at a broader level but do not specify authority at the state level. The Employee Handbook usually outlines employment policies, benefits, and workplace conduct, rather than the legal scope of nursing practice. Thus, while these other documents are important in the healthcare environment, they do not establish the foundational authority for medication management that the State Nurse Practice Act does.