Can a licensed practical nurse perform a fine needle aspiration biopsy, shave biopsy or punch biopsy?

The nursing laws and rules allow a competent and appropriately trained licensed practical nurse to perform a final needle aspiration biopsy, shave biopsy or punch biopsy under the direction of an authorized health care practitioner or under the direction and supervision of a registered nurse. These procedures require a prescription from an authorized health care practitioner. The licensed practical nurse should use the Scope of Practice Decision Tree to determine if these activities are within the nurse's legal and individual scope of practice.