The standards, which are comprised of the standards of practice and the standards of professional performance, are authoritative statements by which nurses practicing within the role, population, and specialty governed by this document (Nursing Administration: Scope and Standards of Practice) and that describe the duties that they are expected to competently perform. The standards published herein may be utilized as evidence of the legal standard of care governing nurses practicing within the role, population, and specialty governed by this document. The standards are subject to change with the dynamics of the nursing profession and as new patterns of professional practice are developed and accepted by the nursing profession and the public. In addition, specific conditions and clinical circumstances may also affect the application of the standards at a given time; e.g., during a natural disaster. The standards are subject to formal, periodic review and revision.