I also thought it would be interesting to compare Illinois law with the laws in Washington, where I am completeing my training.
WAC 246-840-300 Advanced registered nurse practitioner.An advanced registered nurse practitioner is a registered nurse prepared in a formal educational program to assume primary responsibility for continuous and comprehensive management of a broad range of patient care, concerns and problems. Advanced registered nurse practitioners function within the specialty scopes of practice and/or description of practice and/or standards of care developed by national professional organizations and reviewed and approved by the commission. These statements form the basis for selection of test items or competency based evaluation processes and are derived from standard educational curricula for certain practice areas. ARNP members of the commission will review these statements on a biennial basis and will present substantive changes to the full commission for approval or disapproval. Advanced registered nurse practitioners are prepared and qualified to assume primary responsibility and accountability for the care of their patients. This practice is grounded in nursing and incorporates the use of independent judgment as well as collaborative interaction with other health care professionals when indicated in the assessment and management of wellness and conditions as appropriate to the ARNP's area of specialization.
Within the scope of the advanced registered nurse practitioner's knowledge, experience and specialty scope of practice statement(s), licensed advanced registered nurse practitioners may perform the following functions:
* Examine patients and establish medical diagnoses by client history, physical examination and other assessment criteria;
* Admit patients to health care facilities;
* Order, collect, perform and interpret laboratory tests;
* Initiate requests for radiographic and other testing measures;
* Identify, develop, implement and evaluate a plan of care and treatment for patients to promote, maintain and restore health;
* Prescribe medications when granted authority under this chapter;
* Refer clients to other health care practitioners or facilities.
An advanced registered nurse practitioner:
(1) Shall hold a current license to practice as a registered nurse in Washington;
(2) Shall have completed a formal advanced nursing education meeting the requirements of WAC 246-840-305;
(3) Shall present documentation of initial certification credential granted by a national certifying body recognized by the commission, approved ARNP specialty whose certification program is approved by the commission and subsequently maintain currency and competency as defined by the certifying body;
(4) Copies of statements of scope of practice or practice descriptions are maintained in the nursing commission's office. Specialty designations recognized by the commission and the date of the commission approved statement of scope of practice or practice description are:
(a) Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) (American Nurses Association, 1998; American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, 1992).
(b) Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) (American Association of Women's Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses, 1997).
© Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) (National Association of Pediatric Nurse Associates and Practitioners, 2000; American Nurses Association, 1998).
(d) Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP) (American Nurses Association, 1998; American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, 1992).
(e) Geriatric Gerontological Nurse Practitioner (GNP) (American Nurses Association, 1998).
(f) Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) (American College of Nurse Midwives, 1997).
(g) Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) (American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, 1996).
(h) School Nurse Practitioner (American Nurses Association, 1998).
(i) Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) (American Association of Women's Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses, 1997).
(j) Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner or Clinical Specialist in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing (American Nurses Association, 1998).
(k) Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (American Nurses Association, 1998).
(5) Shall be held individually accountable for practice based on and limited to the scope of his/her education, demonstrated competence, and advanced nursing experience;
(6) Shall obtain instruction, supervision, and consultation as necessary before implementing new or unfamiliar techniques or practices;
(7) Shall be responsible for maintaining current knowledge in his/her field of practice;
(8) Must be prepared to show documentation of any additional formal education, skills training, or supervised clinical practice beyond the basic ARNP preparation; and
(9) May choose to limit his or her area of practice within the recognized specialty or specialties.
(10) If recognized in more than one specialty area, must obtain and maintain certification in all areas and must obtain formal education and training for each area of specialization.
[statutory Authority: RCW 18.79.110 and 18.79.050. 00-21-119, 246-840-300, filed 10/18/00, effective 11/18/00. Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.79 RCW. 97-13-100, 246-840-300, filed 6/18/97, effective 7/19/97.]
Much more CRNA friendly...
