- (1) The certified registered nurse practitioner is responsible and accountable for the continuous and comprehensive management of a broad range of health services for which the certified registered nurse practitioner is educationally prepared and for which competency is maintained, with physician collaboration as described in these rules. These services include but are not restricted to the following:
- (a) Evaluate current health status and risk factors of individuals based on comprehensive health history and comprehensive physical examinations and assessments.
- (b) Formulate a working diagnosis, develop and implement a treatment plan, evaluate and modify therapeutic regimens to promote positive patient outcomes.
- (c) Prescribe, administer and provide therapeutic measures, tests, procedures, and drugs.
- (d) Counsel, teach and assist individuals and families to assume responsibility for self-care in prevention of illness, health maintenance, and health restoration.
- (e) Consult with and refer to other health care providers as appropriate.
- (2) A standard protocol approved by the Board of Nursing and State Board of Medical Examiners shall address permissible functions and activities specific to the advanced practice of the certified registered nurse practitioner.
- (3) A certified registered nurse practitioner may, after the successful completion of an organized program of study and supervised clinical practice, carry out functions beyond the nurse practitioner educational preparation provided the functions are approved by the Board of Nursing as being within the legal scope of practice for a certified registered nurse practitioner. Such functions shall be submitted to the Joint Committee for consideration for inclusion on the standard protocol.
- (4) Requests for additional functions to be added to the protocol may be submitted to the Joint Committee for consideration.
- (5) A certified registered nurse practitioner may write admission orders for inpatients as directed by the physician and subsequent orders in accordance with established protocols and institutional policies.
Author: Alabama Board of Nursing
Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§34-21-85, 34-21-87.
History: New Rule: Published November 26, 2025; effective January 10, 2026.