Defining Scope of Practice in Allied Health for Patient-Centered Care

References (APA 7th Edition)

1. Hauschulz, J. L., Yang, J., Do, A., Calva, J. J., & Bublitz, S. E. (2025). Case reports of acupuncturists and massage therapists at Mayo Clinic: New allies in expediting patient diagnoses. EXPLORE, 21(2), 178–185. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2025.03.004

2. Nancarrow, S., Roots, A., Grace, S., Moran, A., Vanniekerk, L., & Hughes, R. (2020). Implementing large-scale workforce change: Learning from allied health professionals’ scope of practice initiatives. BMC Health Services Research, 20(1), 215. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-020-5050-8

3. O’Connor, S., Hanlon, P., O’Donnell, C. A., Garcia, S., & Glanville, J. (2019). Understanding patient-centered care in allied health: A scoping review. Patient Education and Counseling, 102(11), 2092–2101. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2019.05.012

4. Boyd, L., & Stevens, J. (2021). Allied health professionals’ contributions to multidisciplinary patient care in primary healthcare settings. Journal of Interprofessional Care, 35(4), 505–512. https://doi.org/10.1080/13561820.2020.1807923

5. Dunbar, J., Jeon, Y. H., & Roberts, G. (2022). Expanding the scope of practice for allied health: A critical review of workforce reform. Health Policy, 126(7), 547–554. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthpol.2022.05.003

The purpose of this assignment is to define the scope of practice for allied health professionals and discuss the importance of patient-centered care.

Visit the Allied Health Community interactive learning media: http://lc.gcumedia.com/hlt307v/allied-health-community/allied-health-community-v1.1.html.

Read the profiles of each of the allied health providers and select two providers on which to base your assignment. Research the roles and scope of practice of both of the allied health providers you selected.

In a 500-750 word paper, address the following concepts:

1. Describe the professional responsibilities of both allied health providers you selected and discuss their roles in delivering quality patient care. Include a discussion about the education and skills required in both professional roles, and describe the health care settings in which both providers may be found.
2. Define “scope of practice” within an allied health context and discuss the scope of practice for both allied health providers you selected. How is the scope of practice for both providers different from each of their professional roles?
3. Explain how both allied health providers can provide patient-centered care and how their background, education, skills, and health care experience contribute to delivering quality patient outcomes.

A minimum of three scholarly peer reviewed articles are required.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. A link to the LopesWrite technical support articles is located in Class Resources if you need assistance.