Clinical nurse specialist prescriptive authority and the legislative process

Area of Science:

• Nursing Practice
• Health Policy
• Advanced Practice Nursing

Background:

• Clinical nurse specialists (CNS) are advanced practice registered nurses with graduate education.
• Many states restrict the scope of practice for CNS, denying them prescriptive authority.
• These restrictions limit the contributions CNS can make to healthcare delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the process by which the New Mexico Council of Clinical Nurse Specialists obtained prescriptive authority.
• To inform other CNS and nursing organizations about strategies for legislative change.
• To encourage political activism among CNS to expand their scope of practice.

Main Methods:

• The article details the formation of the New Mexico Council of Clinical Nurse Specialists.
• It outlines the lobbying efforts and engagement in the legislative process.
• Strategies for political involvement and policy change are discussed.

Main Results:

• The New Mexico Council of Clinical Nurse Specialists successfully navigated the legislative process to gain prescriptive authority.
• The experience highlights the importance of organized advocacy and political engagement.
• Restrictive policies can be challenged and changed through dedicated efforts.

Conclusions:

• Clinical nurse specialists must become politically active to overcome practice barriers.
• Collaboration with state nurses associations is crucial for policy reform.
• Expanding prescriptive authority for CNS enhances their role in patient care and the healthcare system.