Statutory and regulatory recognition for clinical nurse specialists in Oregon

Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) in Oregon initiated the process of achieving statutory and regulatory recognition several years ago. Throughout this process, specific phases of activity and events helped CNSs to identify what was required to achieve this goal. The resulting lessons learned are shared in this report. Statutory recognition of CNSs in Oregon occurred in 1999, and the administrative rules for CNS practice were published in 2001. These administrative rules delineate the CNS scope of practice and other aspects of CNS practice consistent with national standards.