36-9A-12. Scope of certified nurse practitioner practice.

In addition to the registered nurse scope of practice, as defined in § 36-9-3, and within the certified nurse practitioner role and population focus, a certified nurse practitioner may perform the following advanced practice registered nursing scope:

(1) Conduct an advanced assessment;

(2) Order and interpret diagnostic procedures;

(3) Establish primary and differential diagnoses;

(4) Prescribe, order, administer, and furnish therapeutic measures as follows:

(a) Diagnose, prescribe, and institute therapy or referrals of patients to health care agencies, health care providers, and community resources;

(b) Prescribe, procure, administer, and furnish pharmacological agents, including over the counter, legend, and controlled drugs or substances listed on Schedule II in chapter 34-20B;

(c) Plan and initiate a therapeutic regimen that includes ordering and prescribing nonpharmacological interventions, including durable medical equipment, medical devices, nutrition, blood and blood products, diagnostic, and supportive services including home health care, hospice, and physical and occupational therapy; and

(d) Write a chemical or physical restraint order when the patient may do personal harm or harm others;

(5) Perform a physical examination for the determination of participation in athletics or employment duties;

(6) Complete and sign official documents such as death certificates, birth certificates, and similar documents required by law; and

(7) Delegate and assign therapeutic measures to assistive personnel.

Source: SL 1979, ch 256, § 6; SL 1985, ch 219, § 3; SL 1990, ch 305; SL 1991, ch 198, § 5; SL 1994, ch 293, § 2; SL 1995, ch 213, § 2; SL 1999, ch 192, § 14; SL 2000, ch 188, § 2; SL 2006, ch 195, § 2; SL 2017, ch 171, § 16.