The HCPC does not define our registrants' scope of practice
This means there is a not a set list of tasks that our professions can and cannot perform and this will vary from registrant to registrant.
When you first join the Register, the standards of proficiency will be your guide. These set clear expectations of our registrants’ knowledge and abilities when they start practising.
As you progress in your career, you may enter into more specialist practice roles where you are no longer meeting all the standards of proficiency. Your scope of practice will develop with you and may become narrower in scope.
Determining what is and is not part of your scope of practice will be for you to decide using your professional judgement.
When deciding whether a particular activity falls within your scope of practice, or when moving into a new scope of practice, you will need to consider whether the training and support you’ve received adequately equips you to perform the activity safely and effectively.
You will also need to consider whether the activity falls within the general scope of practice of your profession.
Your scope of practice may also depend on the limits of your job role, legal restrictions (such as prescribing or protected functions) and whether you would be covered to undertake the activity by your professional indemnity insurance.
You may find it helpful to speak to your professional body who may be able to offer further advice in this area.
When thinking about your scope of practice, ask yourself the following:
- Do I have the skills and knowledge to carry out the activity safely and effectively?
- Can I complete training or receive other support (such as supervision) that will give me the skills and knowledge needed to carry out the activity safely and effectively?
- Is the activity restricted by law (e.g. prescribing) and, if so, can I legally do it?
- Does my professional indemnity insurance cover the activity?
