OPS Position Statement

Performing Venipuncture and Intravenous Injections

OPS wishes to make its members aware that OPS has no legal authority to determine who may perform venipuncture or intravenous injections. The current position of OPS, taken through its Board of Directors, is that OPS neither advocates nor opposes venipuncture or the administration of intravenous injections, such as dyes, by photographers.

OPS also wishes to inform its members that:

• OPS is unaware of any federal laws which address who may perform venipuncture or intravenous injections; and
• The scope of practice of medical professionals has been established traditionally on the state level, meaning that the states determine the activities each medical specialty is allowed to perform under their state license.

Accordingly, OPS recommends that each individual photographer check with the appropriate agency or agencies in the state in which they practice to determine whether the performance of venipuncture or the administration of intravenous injections fall within their scope of practice.