Standing medical orders (SMOs) and standing delegated orders (SDOs) enable nurses to practice at the height of their licensure while allowing providers to prioritize direct patient care. SDOs are prepared by a physician and provide authority and a plan for use with patients presenting prior to examination or evaluation, while SMOs are prepared by a physician and provide authority and direction for established patients. Both SMOs and SDOs may include pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions. This session discusses how at a large academic medical center, an opportunity for SMO utilization was noted that could allow for more autonomous and efficient practice among ambulatory care nurses. When utilized appropriately, SMOs support nurses in adhering to their scope of practice, enhance collaboration with medical practitioners, and minimize reliance on less formal means of order communication.

Continuing Education Instructions and Disclosure Information:

ANCC Contact hours available until 4/17/2028

Requirements for Successful Completion:
Complete the learning activity in its entirety and complete the online nursing continuing professional development (NCPD) evaluation. You will be able to print your ANCC contact hour certificate at any time after you complete the evaluation.

Disclosure of relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies:

Planning Committee Disclosures:
None of the planners for this educational activity have relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.

Speaker Disclosures:
None of the speakers for this educational activity have relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.

Commercial Support:
This program has not received any commercial support.

Accreditation Statement:
This educational activity is jointly provided by Anthony J. Jannetti, Inc. (AJJ) and the American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing (AAACN).

Anthony J. Jannetti, Inc. is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Learning Outcome:
After completing this learning activity, the participant will be able to discuss the importance of SMOs in increasing nursing autonomy in ambulatory care clinical practices.

Allison Isabelle MS, BSN, RN, AMB-BC

Appearances