In a new state, a nurse practitioner’s ability to perform central lines is questioned. What governs this decision?

The ability of a nurse practitioner to perform central line placements is primarily governed by state law. Each state has its own regulations regarding the scope of practice for nurse practitioners, which includes procedures they are allowed to perform. Therefore, specific state laws will dictate whether a nurse practitioner has the legal authority to place central lines.

While employer’s decisions, hospital policy, and federal regulations may play a role in practice standards and job requirements, they do not have the same foundational authority as state law. Ultimately, it is the state law that defines the legal parameters within which a nurse practitioner operates, including specialized procedures like central line insertions.