Can the registered nurse perform ostomy care?

It is within the scope of practice of an appropriately trained and competent registered nurse to perform ostomy care, following clinical practice standards. Routine care of a stoma should be addressed in the nursing care plan. A prescription or order from an authorized provider may be necessary if complications occur or if medical treatment is required. Generally, a prescription from an authorized health care practitioner is required for reimbursement of medical supplies. The registered nurse should use the Scope of Practice Decision Tree to determine if these activities are within the registered nurse’s legal and individual scope of practice.