2009 Rhode Island Code
Title 5 - Businesses and Professions
CHAPTER 5-34 - Nurses
§ 5-34-3 - Definitions.

SECTION 5-34-3

   § 5-34-3  Definitions. – As used in this chapter:

   (1) "Advanced practice nurse" means the status of qualified individuals who hold an active license as a registered nurse and an active license as a nurse in an advanced role as defined under the provisions of this chapter or chapter 5-34.2.

   (2) "Approval" means the process where the board of nursing evaluates and grants official recognition to basic nursing education programs meeting established criteria and standards.

   (3) "Certified registered nurse practitioner" is an advanced practice nurse utilizing independent knowledge of physical assessment and management of health care and illnesses. The practice includes prescriptive privileges. The practice includes collaboration with other licensed health care professionals including, but not limited to, physicians, pharmacists, podiatrists, dentists and nurses.

   (4) "Department" means the department of health.

   (5) "Health" means optimum well-being.

   (6) "Healthcare" means those services provided to promote the optimum well-being of individuals.

   (7) "Licensed" means the status of qualified individuals who have completed a designated process by which the board of nursing grants permission to individuals accountable and/or responsible for the practice of nursing and to engage in that practice, prohibiting all others from legally doing so.

   (8) "Nursing" means the provision of services that are essential to the promotion, maintenance, and restoration of health throughout the continuum of life. It provides care and support of individuals and families during periods of wellness, illness, and injury, and incorporates the appropriate medical plan of care prescribed by a licensed physician, dentist, or podiatrist. It is a distinct component of health services. Nursing practice is based on specialized knowledge, judgment, and nursing skills acquired through educational preparation in nursing and in the biological, physical, social, and behavioral sciences.

   (9) "Practical nursing" is practiced by licensed practical nurses (L.P.N.s). It is an integral part of nursing based on a knowledge and skill level commensurate with education. It includes promotion, maintenance, and restoration of health and utilizes standardized procedures leading to predictable outcomes, which are in accord with the professional nurse regimen under the direction of a registered nurse. In situations where registered nurses are not employed, the licensed practical nurse functions under the direction of a licensed physician, dentist, podiatrist or other licensed health care providers authorized by law to prescribe. Each L.P.N. is responsible for the nursing care rendered.

   (10) "Professional nursing" is practiced by registered nurses (R.N.s). The practice of professional nursing is a dynamic process of assessment of an individual's health status, identification of health care needs, determination of health care goals with the individual and/or family participation and the development of a plan of nursing care to achieve these goals. Nursing actions, including teaching and counseling, are directed toward the promotion, maintenance, and restoration of health and evaluation of the individual's response to nursing actions and the medical regimen of care. The professional nurse provides care and support of individuals and families during periods of wellness and injury, and incorporates where appropriate, the medical plan of care as prescribed by a licensed physician, dentist or podiatrist or other licensed health care providers authorized by law to prescribe. Each R.N. is directly accountable and responsible to the consumer for the nursing care rendered.

   (11) "Psychiatric and mental health nurse clinical specialist" is an advanced practice nurse utilizing independent knowledge and management of mental health and illnesses. The practice may include prescription privileges of certain legend medications, controlled substances from Schedule II classified as stimulants, and controlled substances from Schedule IV within the scope of their practice. The practice may include collaboration with other licensed health care professionals, including, but not limited to, psychiatrists, psychologists, physicians, pharmacists, and nurses. The psychiatric and mental health clinical specialist holds the qualifications defined in § 5-34-40.1.