(a) A registered nurse practitioner is a licensed professional nurse prepared in the manner stated herein who provides direct care to individuals, families, and other groups in a variety of settings, including:
- (1) Homes;
- (2) Hospitals;
- (3) Offices;
- (4) Industry;
- (5) Schools; and
- (6) Other institutions and healthcare settings.
- (b) The service provided by the nurse practitioner is directed toward the delivery of primary, secondary, and tertiary care that focuses on the achievement and maintenance of optimal functions in the population.
(c) The nurse practitioner:
- (1) Engages in independent decision making about the nursing care needs of clients; and
- (2) Collaborates with health professionals and others in making decisions about other healthcare needs.
- (d) The practitioner plans and institutes healthcare programs as a member of the healthcare team.
- (e) The nurse practitioner is directly accountable and responsible to the recipient for the quality of care rendered.
- (f) Rules that apply to registered nurses are hereby incorporated by reference.