The nursing laws and rules do not prohibit the competent and appropriately trained licensed practical nurse from following a standing order or obtaining and carrying out a verbal order that is non-complex and routine. Standing orders and verbal orders may include medical orders or nursing orders. The licensed practical nurse may assist an authorized provider or registered nurse in carrying out a complex standing order or verbal order. 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.