1. (a) The advanced practice area of the advanced practice nurse shall be appropriate to his/her advanced educational preparation.
2. (b) The advanced practice nurse acts independently and/or in collaboration with the health team in the observation, assessment, diagnosis, intervention, evaluation, rehabilitation, care and counsel, and health teachings of persons who are ill, injured or infirm or experiencing changes in normal health processes; and in the promotion and maintenance of health or prevention of illness.

3. (c) Advanced practice nurses must utilize mechanisms which provide medical authority when such mechanisms are indicated. These mechanisms may include but are not limited to protocols or other orders. This shall not be construed as requiring authority for nursing aspects of care.

   1. (1) When protocols or other orders are used to provide such authorization they should be jointly developed by the APN and appropriate physician(s) and signed by both the APN and the physician(s). These protocols or other orders shall be reviewed at least annually and maintained in the practice setting of the APN.
   2. (2) The scope and detail of said protocols/policies/practice guidelines may vary in relation to the complexity of the situations covered and the area of practice and educational preparation of the individual advanced practice nurse.
4. (d) The functions of the advanced practice nurse must be authorized by the Nursing Practice Act and other applicable state laws.

Source Note:The provisions of this §221.12 adopted to be effective June 7, 1995, 20 TexReg 3894; amended to be effective February 3, 1998, 23 TexReg 753.