Can a nurse administer medications without a physician's order?

In Florida, a nurse must have a valid physician's order for all medications administered to ensure the safety and efficacy of patient care. This requirement is in place to protect both the patient and the nurse, as administering medication without a proper order could lead to potential harm or adverse effects. The physician’s order acts as a safeguard, ensuring that the medication is appropriate for the patient's condition and that the nurse has the necessary information regarding dosage, schedule, and potential side effects.

While there are certain scenarios, such as emergencies, where nurses might act under established protocols (like administering EpiPens or CPR), these instances still typically derive from broader medical guidelines and not from an individual nurse's discretion to administer medications without an order. Other options, such as administering medication based on a patient's current regimen or under the supervision of another nurse, do not align with the stand-alone requirement for a valid order for each medication, further reinforcing the need for physician supervision in medication administration.