What is the scope of practice of the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner?
A. The scope of practice of the PMHNP is determined by (a) the statutes governing advanced practice registered nursing in the state in which the PMHNP resides; and (b) the American Nurses Associations (2000) Scope and Standards for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Practice. In reality, scope of practice is also determined by the context in which the PMHNP practices and, very importantly, by the PMHNPs competence and specific expertise. According to the ANA (2000) Scope and Standards for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Practice, the professional parameters of advanced practice psychiatric nursing include the complete delivery of direct primary mental health care services including, but not limited to: Carrying out health promotion activities including general health teaching. Designing and conducting mental illness preventive interventions. Conducting health screening and evaluation. Eliciting a history appropriate to the patient, presentation, and setting. Completing a health assess
