2016 Delaware Code
Title 24 - Professions and Occupations
CHAPTER 19. NURSING
§ 1935. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) — Authority and duties.

(a) The Board of Nursing grants full-practice and prescriptive authority upon the issuance of an APRN license. The granting of full-practice authority does not equate to the granting of independent practice.

(b) An APRN licensed by the Board of Nursing with full-practice authority is authorized within the APRN's role and population foci to:

(1) Prescribe, procure, administer, store, dispense, and furnish over the counter, legend and controlled substances pursuant to applicable state and federal laws and within the APRN's role and population foci.

(2) Plan and initiate a therapeutic regimen within the APRN's role and population foci that includes ordering and prescribing nonpharmacological interventions, including:

a. Medical devices and durable medical equipment, nutrition, blood, and blood products.

b. Diagnostic and supportive services including home health care, hospice, and physical and occupational therapy.

(3) Diagnose, prescribe and institute therapy or referrals of patients within the APRN's role and population foci to health-care agencies, health-care providers and community resources.

(4) Sign death certificates in all circumstances, subject to the restrictions set forth in the definition of the term "practice of professional nursing" as provided in this chapter.

(c) APRNs with full-practice authority shall seek consultation regarding treatment and care of patients as appropriate to patient needs and the APRN's level of expertise and scope of practice.

(d) An APRN may be designated as the primary care provider by an insurer or health-care services corporation.

(e) An APRN granted independent practice shall not be held to any lesser standard of care than that of a physician providing care to a specific patient condition or population.

(f) Any APRN rendering services in person or by electronic means in Delaware must hold an active Delaware RN and APRN license.

(g) APRNs shall obtain approval from the APRN Committee and Board of Nursing pursuant to this chapter in order to practice independently.

80 Del. Laws, c. 172, § 3.;