A nurse practitioner (NP) as described in Title VIII, Article 139 section 6910 of the New York Education Law is a RN who has earned a separate certification as an NP through advanced clinical nursing education in a distinct specialty area of practice. Nurse practitioners are independent practitioners who diagnose, treat, and prescribe for a patient’s condition that falls within their specialty area of practice. 

NOTE: Medical orders, progress notes and treatments plans are not required to be countersigned by a physician.

CLINICAL PRACTICE

1. Assesses the health status of patients/families by means of comprehensive health history and physical examination.
2. Initiates and orders selected therapeutic and diagnostic procedures, consultations and laboratory examination, prescribes medication regimens, interprets findings and alters plan of care according to accepted standards of care and practice guidelines...