Which concept outlines what a profession can and cannot do, often defined by state law?

• A. Roles and Responsibilities
• B. Professional Ethics
• C. Scope of Practice
• D. Licensure

Answer: (C)

Scope of practice defines what a profession can and cannot do, and it’s often set by state law through practice acts and regulatory boards. This boundary protects patients by outlining which tasks are allowed for a given professional, what level of supervision is required, and what credentials or certifications are needed to perform specific procedures. Understanding this helps everyone stay within legal and safe limits while delivering care.

Roles and responsibilities describe the duties tied to a position or function, but they don’t establish the legal boundaries of what can be performed. Professional ethics cover the standards of conduct expected in practice, not the formal permission to perform certain clinical acts. Licensure is the process that grants legal permission to practice, but the actual scope—what you may or may not do in practice—is defined by the scope of practice.