It is within the scope of an appropriately prepared and competent registered nurse to perform a vaginal examination for pregnant or non-pregnant patients, following clinical practice standards. Obtaining cytologic specimens (e.g. a PAP smear or tests for sexually transmitted diseases) may require an order from an authorized provider in order for these test to be reimbursed. The registered nurse may perform cytologic tests following standing orders. The Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission’s Standing Orders and Verbal Orders Advisory Opinion provides additional guidance and recommendations. The registered 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.