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Pennsylvania Statutes Title 63 P.S. Professions and Occupations (State Licensed) § 218.2. Scope of practice for certified registered nurse practitioners

Current as of January 01, 2025 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

(a) A certified registered nurse practitioner while functioning in the expanded role as a professional nurse shall practice within the scope of practice of the particular clinical specialty area in which the nurse is certified by the board.

(b) A certified registered nurse practitioner may perform acts of medical diagnosis in collaboration with a physician and in accordance with regulations promulgated by the board.

(c) Except as provided in subsection (c.1), a certified registered nurse practitioner may prescribe medical therapeutic or corrective measures if the nurse is acting in accordance with the provisions of section 8.3. 1

(c.1) Except as limited by subsection (c.2), and in addition to existing authority, a certified registered nurse practitioner shall have authority to do all of the following, provided that the certified nurse practitioner is acting within the scope of the certified registered nurse practitioner's collaborative or written agreement with a physician and the certified registered nurse practitioner's specialty certification:

(1) Order home health and hospice care.

(2) Order durable medical equipment.

(3) Issue oral orders to the extent permitted by the health care facilities' by-laws, rules, regulations or administrative policies and guidelines.

(4) Make physical therapy and dietitian referrals.

(5) Make respiratory and occupational therapy referrals.

(6) Perform disability assessments for the program providing Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF).

(7) Issue homebound schooling certifications.

(8) Perform and sign the initial assessment of methadone treatment evaluations, provided that any order for methadone treatment shall be made only by a physician.

(c.2) Nothing in this section shall be construed to:

(1) Supersede the authority of the Department of Health and the Department of Public Welfare  2 to regulate the types of health care professionals who are eligible for medical staff membership or clinical privileges.

(2) Restrict the authority of a health care facility to determine the scope of practice and supervision or other oversight requirements for health care professionals practicing within the facility.

(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit or prohibit a certified registered nurse practitioner from engaging in those activities which normally constitute the practice of nursing as defined in section 2. 3

1 63 P.S. § 218.3.
2 Now Department of Human Services; see 62 P.S. § 103.
3 63 P.S. § 212.
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Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Pennsylvania Statutes Title 63 P.S. Professions and Occupations (State Licensed) § 218.2. Scope of practice for certified registered nurse practitioners - last updated January 01, 2025 | https://codes.findlaw.com/pa/title-63-ps-professions-and-occupations-state-licensed/pa-st-sect-63-218-2/

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