Scope of Practice The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (1993)6 developed standards for practice that specify activities within the NP scope of practice and govern the services provided. The standards cover qualifications, the process of care, environment, collaborative responsibilities, documentation, client advocacy, quality assurance, supporting roles, and research. NPs provide primary health care services to individuals, families, groups of clients, and communities. In general, NP care is characterized by an emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention and, in addition, involves the diagnosis and management of common acute illnesses/injuries and stable chronic diseases. In the provision of these services, NPs may order, conduct, and interpret appropriate diagnostic and laboratory tests and prescribe pharmacologic agents, treatments, and nonpharmacologic therapies. Educating and counseling individuals and their families regarding healthy lifestyle behaviors are key components of NP care