ANA statement on UAP
Nurse practice acts violated, group says
The American Nurses Association in Washington, DC, has taken a stance against unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) performing duties that are within the legal practice of nursing. Here is an excerpt of its position statement on registered nurse utilization of UAP:
"The American Nurses Association recognizes that unlicensed assistive personnel provide support services to the RN that are required for the registered nurse to provide nursing care in the health care settings of today.
"The current changes in the health care environment have and will continue to alter the scope of nursing practice and its relationship to the activities delegated to unlicensed assistive personnel. The concern is that in virtually all health care settings, UAP are inappropriately performing functions that are within the legal practice of nursing. This is a violation of the state nursing practice act and is a threat to public safety. Today, it is the nurse who must have a clear definition of what constitutes the scope of practice with the reconfiguration of practice settings, delivery sites, and staff composition. Professional guidelines must be established to support the nurse in working effectively and collaboratively with other health care professionals and administrators in developing appropriate roles, job descriptions, and responsibilities for UAP."
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