mental health nurse practitioner scope of practice??

Psychcns · Sep 14, 2011

I am a psychiatric clinical nurse specialist working in a Psych NP position. I got my degree before there were psych np's. My program and psychiatry at the time (1993) was very therapy oriented. I can prescribe in 34 states. The CNS role varies by state. Most of the states where I can prescribe require physician collaboration. I find it helpful to discuss how I am thinking about my patients in a supervisory model. I have had very good physician supervisors/collaborators and have learned a lot from them. I think the trend is toward having minimal supervision and I think this is a shame. I am mostly prescribing now and this is fine--I try to incorporate counseling whenever I can.

jordans · Sep 14, 2011

thanks for the info! i'm in illinois and may potentially move to california so i'm trying to research the specifics for those states. i would like to work in a private practice/group setting so i prefer minimum supervision requirements although like you i do enjoy collaborating and getting input from others

Granted Fal · Oct 16, 2011

I am wondering if there are any PMHNPs out there who can give me some info on scope of practice and licensing state to state? I am a BSN nurse applying to go back for my MSN in mental health and I mainly want to do counseling and definitely want to have prescription privledges. Anyone know states that do or don't allow this? I don't want to have to be working under someone else to have these abilities. Any advice appreciated! Also, Does a clinical nurse specialist degree change anything as opposed to NP?

Just FYI, There's a book that spells all this out in glorious, but concise detail for all the states: "The Nurse Practitioner's Business Practice and Legal Guide, Third Edition," Carolyn Buppert ISBN: 9780763749330. You can also, of course look at the state practice acts to determine this too.