What is a Georgia NP's scope of practice?

A Georgia NP’s scope of practice is defined by a written nurse protocol agreement with a delegating physician¹. Through this agreement, the physician may delegate specific medical acts to the NP consistent with Georgia law². NPs provide advanced practice nursing care and medical services emphasizing health promotion and disease prevention, and they diagnose and manage acute and chronic conditions in collaboration as needed, consistent with national standards and Board-recognized certification³.

Under delegation, NPs may order dangerous drugs, medical treatments, and diagnostic studies; request, receive, sign for, and distribute professional samples; and sign, certify, and endorse documents related to patient care, including state agency forms⁴. NPs may not assign a percentage of disability rating⁵, and they may perform necessary acts in life-threatening situations in hospitals or nursing homes when authorized by standing procedures⁶. Delegated care must be commensurate with the NP’s education, training, experience, certification, and the physician’s comparable specialty area⁷.

Prescribing within NP scope is limited by law: NPs may not order Schedule I or II controlled substances⁸, and may prescribe Schedules III–V only after the Composite Medical Board reviews the protocol agreement, finds it compliant, and the NP obtains a DEA number⁹. For non-controlled drugs, refills may not exceed 12 months (24 months for oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, or prenatal vitamins), and NPs may not order a drug or device that may result in an abortion¹⁰. Written prescription drug orders must include specific elements and comply with the nurse protocol agreement¹¹¹², and the protocol must provide for immediate physician consultation and set parameters for delegated acts, including quarterly physician evaluation when patients receive controlled substances¹³¹⁴.