Explain what Standardized Procedures are, what their function is, and how they are utilized by Nurse Practitioners in California.

Standardized procedures (SPs) are a set of standardized protocols and guidelines that are developed to enable nurse practitioners in California to provide quality healthcare. These protocols provide directions on how to assess and diagnose the patient, as well as how to develop an appropriate plan of care. SPs typically include specific instructions for ordering diagnostic tests, managing medications, and evaluating treatments. They can also contain information on how to document assessment findings and interventions in the medical record.

The primary purpose of SPs is to ensure consistent practice across facilities while providing clinicians with evidence-based guidance. By utilizing standardized procedures, Nurse Practitioners in California can better ensure safe practice, reduce errors associated with clinical judgment decisions, improve quality outcomes for patients, and increase efficiency by reducing time spent researching applicable rules or regulations. In addition, SPs help promote adherence to established standards of care which helps protect both the practitioner and the facility from liability issues associated with malpractice claims or negligence cases.