cns scope of practice

[harveyla]

I am a new CNS in Colorado, I am trying to find support for me being able to write a H&P. Does anyone have any advise.

[elkpark]

Have you checked with your BON? What do they say?

[harveyla]

yes, so far they are less than helpful. imagine something in nursing not being clear! i was hoping someone might have had some experience with this

[core0]

I am a new CNS in Colorado, I am trying to find support for me being able to write a H&P. Does anyone have any advise.

Its right here:

health care providers.

(7) (a) In order to enhance the cost efficiency and continuity of care, an advanced practice nurse may, within his or her scope of practice and within the advanced practice nurse-patient relationship, sign an affidavit, certification, or similar document that:

(I) Documents a patient's current health status;

(II) Authorizes continuing treatment, tests, services, or equipment; or

(III) Gives advance directives for end-of-life care.

(b) Such affidavit, certification, or similar document may not:

(I) Be the prescription of medication unless the advanced practice nurse has been granted prescriptive authority pursuant to section 12-38-111.6;

Weirdly an H&P fits under documents a patient's current health status. From here:

http://www.dora.state.co.us/nursing/statutes/NursePracticeAct.pdf

page 10.

Its also found here:

The scope of Advanced Practice Nursing may include, but is not limited to: performing acts of advanced assessment, diagnosing, treating, prescribing, ordering, selecting, administering, and dispensing diagnostic and therapeutic measures.

From here:

http://www.dora.state.co.us/nursing/rules/ChapterXIV.pdf

Basically CNS in Colorado are functionally identical to NPs. You do have to have 1000 hours of supervised practice as an APN before you can get prescriptive authority.

David Carpenter, PA-C

[harveyla]

great help, thanks David