1. (a)

   1. (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

   2. (2) “Clinical nurse specialist” means an individual who:

      1. (i) 1. Is licensed by the Board to practice registered nursing; or

         1. 2. Has a multistate licensure privilege to practice registered nursing under the Nurse Licensure Compact; and
      2. (ii) Is certified by the Board to practice as a clinical nurse specialist.

   3. (3)

      1. (i) “Practice as a clinical nurse specialist” means to:

         1. 1. Provide direct care to patients with complex needs;
         2. 2. Act as a consultant to another health care provider as needed;
         3. 3. Conduct health-related research; and
         4. 4. Provide education and guidance for staff nurses.

      2. (ii) “Practice as a clinical nurse specialist” includes:

         1. 1. Ordering, performing, and interpreting laboratory tests;
         2. 2. Ordering diagnostic tests and using the findings or results in the care of patients;
         3. 3. Prescribing drugs and durable medical equipment under regulations adopted by the Board;
         4. 4. Ordering home health and hospice care; and
         5. 5. Initiating, monitoring, and altering appropriate therapies or treatments.
2. (b) Practice as a clinical nurse specialist is governed by rules and regulations that are adopted under § 8-205 of this title and that concern additional acts in the practice of registered nursing.

Added by Acts 2023, c. 327, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2023; Acts 2023, c. 328, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2023.