The laws and rules do not prohibit the licensed practical nurse from accepting an order from an authorized medical provider through another unlicensed or licensed person. The licensed practical nurse should use nursing judgment and determine whether additional verification or clarification is required. The laws and rules place accountability on the nurse who is implementing the order to implement or clarify that the order is accurate, valid, properly authorized, and is not harmful or potentially harmful to the patient, or is not contraindicated by documented information. The licensed practical nurse implementing the order is required to see clarification of the order when the licensed practical nurse has any reason to believe any contraindications exists, and to take any other action necessary to assure the safety of the patient. The licensed practical nurse must be competent to carry specific steps identified in the standing order or verbal order. The licensed practical nurse should use the Scope of Practice Decision Tree to determine if specific activities are within the licensed practical nurse's legal and individual scope of practice. The Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission's Standing Orders and Verbal Orders Advisory Opinion provides additional guidance and recommendations.