Links to State Boards of Nursing Diagnosis Language

7/30/2019 Links to State Boards of Nursing Diagnosis Language

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Links to Nurse Practice Acts and State RegulationsBoards of Nursing in the US and its Territories

State or

Territory Diagnosis Language Forensic Nursing Language

Alabama Diagnosis is not mentioned Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE): A registered

nurse who, through additional education and

supervised clinical practice, has acquired knowledge,

skills, and judgment specific to providing health services

to sexual assault or rape victims including a forensics

examination.

610X7.05 Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE).

(1) A registered nurse may practice as a sexual assault

nurse examiner with appropriate additional education,

including supervised clinical practice and demonstrated

clinical competence.

(a) The educational program for a sexual assault nurse

examiner shall comply with the education standards of

the International Association of Forensic Nurses. The

educationalNursing program shall be specific to the

population examined by the sexual assault nurse

examiner: adult/adolescent or pediatric.

(b) Supervised clinical practice shall occur with one of

the following:

(i) A physician licensed to practice medicine in Alabama

(ii) An advanced practice nurse with experience as asexual assault nurse examiner.

(iii) Another registered nurse with experience as a

sexual assault nurse examiner.

(c) The registered nurse shall demonstrate clinical

competence with all aspects of the examination.

(2) A registered nurse who practices as a sexual

assault nurse examiner shall:
https://www.ncsbn.org/contactbon.htmhttps://www.ncsbn.org/contactbon.htmhttp://www.abn.state.al.us/Content.aspx?id=116http://www.abn.state.al.us/Content.aspx?id=116https://www.ncsbn.org/contactbon.htm


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Links to Nurse Practice Acts and State Regulations(a) Practice according to a written protocol signed by

a physician licensed in Alabama or an advanced practice

nurse with prescriptive authority prior to administering

medications for prophylaxis of sexually transmitted dise

ases or pregnancy.(b) Conduct examinations of sexual assault or rape

victims in accordance with accepted principles of

forensic nursing, including, but not limited to, chain of

custody, photodocumentation, colposcopy,

documentation, confidentiality, and evidence integrity.

(c) Maintain documentation of appropriate initial and

continuing education, supervised clinical practice, and

demonstrated clinical competence.

Alaska (9) *P+ractice of registered nursing means the

performance for compensation or personal profit of

acts of professional service that requires substantial

specialized knowledge, judgment, and skill based on

the principles of biological, physiological, behavioral,

and sociological sciences in assessing and responding to

the health needs of individuals, families, or

communities through services that include

(A) assessment of problems, counseling, and teaching

(i) clients to maintain health or prevent illness; and

(ii) in the care of the ill, injured, or infirm;

(B) administration, supervision, delegation, and

evaluation of nursing practice;(C) teaching others the skills of nursing;

(D) execution of a medical regimen as prescribed by a

person authorized by the state to practice medicine;

(E) performance of other acts that require education

and training that are recognized by the nursing

profession as properly performed by registered nurses;

(F) performance of acts of medical diagnosis and the

prescription of medical therapeutic or corrective
http://www.commerce.state.ak.us/occ/pub/NursingStatutes.pdfhttp://www.commerce.state.ak.us/occ/pub/NursingStatutes.pdfhttp://www.commerce.state.ak.us/occ/pub/NursingStatutes.pdf


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Links to Nurse Practice Acts and State Regulationsmeasures under regulations adopted by the board.

American Samoa

Arizona Registered nursing includes the following:

(a) Diagnosing and treating human responses to actual

or potential health problems. (p. 7)Board of Nursing has a test for nurses to take on the

Nurse Practice Act:

https://www.azbn.gov/MyServices/NursePracticeActEx

am.asp

Arkansas Not specifically within the Nurse Practice Act, but

within the Board of Nursings Position Statement on

Scopes of Practiceit states: The delivery of healthcare

services which require assessment, diagnosis,

intervention, and evaluation fall within the professional

nurse scope of practice. (p.2)

California The Medical Practice Act authorizes physicians to

diagnose mental and physical conditions, to use drugs

in or upon human beings, to sever or penetrate the

tissues of human beings and to use other methods in

the treatment of diseases, injuries, deformities or other

physical or mental conditions. As a general guide, the

performance of any of these by a registered nurse

requires a standardized procedure; however, activities

within each of these categories have already becomecommon nursing practice and therefore do not require

standardized procedures; for example, the

administration of medication by injection requires

penetration of human tissue, and registered nurses

have performed this function through the years.

In Section 2725(a), the Legislature referred to the

dynamic quality of the nursing profession. This means,

among other things, that some functions which today
http://www.azbn.gov/NursePracticeAct.aspxhttps://www.azbn.gov/MyServices/NursePracticeActExam.asphttps://www.azbn.gov/MyServices/NursePracticeActExam.asphttp://www.arsbn.arkansas.gov/lawsRules/Pages/nursePracticeAct.aspxhttp://www.arsbn.arkansas.gov/lawsRules/Documents/95_1.pdfhttp://www.arsbn.arkansas.gov/lawsRules/Documents/95_1.pdfhttp://www.rn.ca.gov/pdfs/regulations/npr-b-03.pdfhttp://www.rn.ca.gov/pdfs/regulations/npr-b-03.pdfhttp://www.arsbn.arkansas.gov/lawsRules/Documents/95_1.pdfhttp://www.arsbn.arkansas.gov/lawsRules/Pages/nursePracticeAct.aspxhttps://www.azbn.gov/MyServices/NursePracticeActExam.asphttps://www.azbn.gov/MyServices/NursePracticeActExam.asphttp://www.azbn.gov/NursePracticeAct.aspx


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Links to Nurse Practice Acts and State Regulationsare considered medical practice will become common

nursing practice and no longer require standardized

procedures. Examples of medical functions which have

evolved into common nursing functions are the

measurement of cardiac output pressures, and the

insertion of PICC lines. (p. 2)

Colorado (5) "Diagnosing", within the terms of this article, means

the use of professional nursing knowledge and skills in

the identification of, and discrimination between,

physical and psychological signs or symptoms to arrive

at a conclusion that a condition exists for which nursing

care is indicated or for which referral to appropriate

medical or community resources is required. (p. 1)

Connecticut Section 20-87a. Definition of "nursing", "advanced

nursing practice" and "practical nursing".

(a) The practice of nursing by a registered nurse is

defined as the process of diagnosing human responses

to actual or potential health problems, providing

supportive and restorative care, health counseling and

teaching, case finding and referral, collaborating in the

implementation of the total health care regimen and

executing the medical regimen under the direction of a

licensed physician, dentist or advanced practice

registered nurse. (p. 1)

Delaware Standards of Nursing Practice are those standards

adopted by the Board that interpret the legaldefinitions of nursing, as well as provide criteria against

which violations of the law can be determined. Such

standards shall not be assumed the only evidence in

civil malpractice litigation, nor shall they be given a

different weight than any other evidence

Nursing Process includes assessment, diagnosis,

outcome identification, planning, implementation and

evaluation.
http://www.dora.state.co.us/nursing/statutes/NursePracticeAct.pdfhttp://www.dora.state.co.us/nursing/statutes/NursePracticeAct.pdfhttp://www.ct.gov/dph/lib/dph/practitioner_licensing_and_investigations/plis/nursing/chapter_378_nursing.pdfhttp://www.ct.gov/dph/lib/dph/practitioner_licensing_and_investigations/plis/nursing/chapter_378_nursing.pdfhttp://regulations.delaware.gov/AdminCode/title24/index.shtml#TopOfPagehttp://regulations.delaware.gov/AdminCode/title24/index.shtml#TopOfPagehttp://www.ct.gov/dph/lib/dph/practitioner_licensing_and_investigations/plis/nursing/chapter_378_nursing.pdfhttp://www.dora.state.co.us/nursing/statutes/NursePracticeAct.pdf


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Links to Nurse Practice Acts and State RegulationsDistrict of Columbia 5414.1 The practice of registered nursing means the

performance of acts requiring substantial specialized

knowledge, judgment, and skill based upon the

principles of the biological, physical, behavioral, and

social sciences in the following:

a) The observation, comprehensive assessment,

evaluation and recording of physiological and

behavioral signs and symptoms of health, disease, and

injury, including the performance of examinations and

testing and their evaluation for the purpose of

identifying the needs of the client and family;

(b) The development of a comprehensive nursing plan

that establishes nursing diagnoses, sets goals to meet

identified health care needs, and prescribes and

implements nursing interventions of a therapeutic,

preventive, and restorative nature in response to anassessment of the clients requirements;

Florida (3)(a) "Practice of professional nursing" means the

performance of those acts requiring substantial

specialized knowledge, judgment, and nursing skill

based upon applied principles of psychological,

biological, physical, and social sciences which shall

include, but not be limited to:

1. The observation, assessment, nursing diagnosis,

planning, intervention, and evaluation of care; health

teaching and counseling of the ill, injured, or infirm;and the promotion of wellness, maintenance of health,

and prevention of illness of others.

AND

(d) "Nursing diagnosis" means the observation and

evaluation of physical or mental conditions, behaviors,

signs and symptoms of illness, and reactions to

treatment and the determination as to whether such

conditions, signs, symptoms, and reactions represent a

Declaratory Statement: Registered Nurses as SANEs

http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/declaratory/nursing/fo

_DOH-04-0039.pdf
http://doh.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/doh/publication/attachments/registered_nursing.pdfhttp://doh.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/doh/publication/attachments/registered_nursing.pdfhttp://archive.flsenate.gov/statutes/index.cfm?m&App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=Ch0464/titl0464.htm&StatuteYear=2002&Title=-%3E2002-%3EChapter%2046http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/declaratory/nursing/fo_DOH-04-0039.pdfhttp://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/declaratory/nursing/fo_DOH-04-0039.pdfhttp://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/declaratory/nursing/fo_DOH-04-0039.pdfhttp://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/declaratory/nursing/fo_DOH-04-0039.pdfhttp://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/declaratory/nursing/fo_DOH-04-0039.pdfhttp://archive.flsenate.gov/statutes/index.cfm?m&App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=Ch0464/titl0464.htm&StatuteYear=2002&Title=-%3E2002-%3EChapter%2046http://doh.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/doh/publication/attachments/registered_nursing.pdf


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Links to Nurse Practice Acts and State Regulationsdeviation from normal.

Georgia (6) "Practice nursing" or "practice of nursing" means to

perform for compensation or the performance for

compensation of any act in the care and counsel of the

ill, injured, or infirm, and in the promotion andmaintenance of health with individuals, groups, or both

throughout the life span. It requires substantial

specialized knowledge of the humanities, natural

sciences, social sciences, and nursing theory as a basis

for assessment, nursing diagnosis, planning,

intervention, and evaluation. It includes, but is not

limited to, provision of nursing care; administration,

supervision, evaluation, or any combination thereof, of

nursing practice; teaching; counseling; the

administration of medications and treatments as

prescribed by a physician practicing medicine inaccordance with Article 2 of Chapter 34 of this title, or a

dentist practicing dentistry in accordance with Chapter

11 of this title, or a podiatrist practicing podiatry in

accordance with Chapter 35 of this title.

Guam (2) Establish and document nursing diagnosis

(evaluation/problem) which serves as the basis for the

strategy of care.

(3) Develop the strategy of care based on assessment

and nursing diagnosis (evaluation/problem). This

includes:(A) Identifying priorities in the strategy of care.

(B) Setting realistic and measurable goals to implement

the strategy of care.

(C) Prescribing nursing intervention(s) based on the

nursing diagnosis (evaluation/problem).

(D) Identifying measures to maintain comfort, to

support human functions and responses, to maintain an

environment conducive to well-being, and to provide
http://sos.georgia.gov/acrobat/PLB/laws/38_RN%20Georgia%20Code%20Updated%20-%207-2012.pdfhttp://sos.georgia.gov/acrobat/PLB/laws/38_RN%20Georgia%20Code%20Updated%20-%207-2012.pdfhttp://www.justice.gov.gu/compileroflaws/GAR/25GAR/25GAR001-6.pdfhttp://www.justice.gov.gu/compileroflaws/GAR/25GAR/25GAR001-6.pdfhttp://sos.georgia.gov/acrobat/PLB/laws/38_RN%20Georgia%20Code%20Updated%20-%207-2012.pdf


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Links to Nurse Practice Acts and State Regulationshealth teaching and counseling. (p. 4-5)

Hawaii Diagnosis is not mentioned

Idaho Diagnosis is not mentioned

Illinois A registered professional nurse provides holistic nursing

care through the nursing process to individuals, groups,families, or communities, that includes but is not

limited to: (1) the assessment of healthcare needs,

nursing diagnosis, planning, implementation, and

nursing evaluation;

ALSO: Within that same section: The foregoing shall not

be deemed to include those acts of medical diagnosis

or prescription of therapeutic or corrective measures.

Illinois General Assembly is the only place where there

is statutory language about the role:(c) In this Section, "sexual assault nurse examiner"

means a registered nurse who has completed a sexual

assault nurse examiner (SANE) training program that

meets the Forensic Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner

Education Guidelines established by the International

Association of Forensic Nurses.

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocNa

me=041000700K6.4

Indiana As used in this chapter, "registered nursing" means

performance of services which include but are not

limited to:(2) deriving a nursing diagnosis; (p. 5)

ALSO: (e) As used in this chapter, "nursing diagnosis"

means the identification of needs which are amenable

to nursing regimen. (p. 5)

Iowa As used in this section, nursing diagnosis means to

identify and use discriminatory judgment concerning

physical and psychosocial signs and symptoms essential

to determining effective nursing intervention. (p. 11)

ALSO: The practice of the profession of a registered

nurse means the practice of a natural person who is

licensed by the board to do all of the following: a.Formulate nursing diagnosis and conduct nursing

treatment of human responses to actual or potential

health problems through services, such as case finding,

referral, health teaching, health counseling, and care

provision which is supportive to or restorative of life

and well-being. (p. 12)

Kansas Diagnosis in the context of nursing practice means

that identification of and discrimination between
http://hawaii.gov/dcca/pvl/hrs/hrs_pvl_457.pdfhttp://www.legislature.idaho.gov/idstat/Title54/T54CH14.htmhttp://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs5.asp?ActID=1312&ChapterID=24http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs5.asp?ActID=1312&ChapterID=24http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=041000700K6.4http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=041000700K6.4http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=041000700K6.4http://www.in.gov/pla/files/ISBN_2008_EDITION.pdfhttp://www.iowa.gov/nursing/ia_law/Iowa%20Code%20Extracts.pdfhttp://www.iowa.gov/nursing/ia_law/Iowa%20Code%20Extracts.pdfhttp://www.ksbn.org/npa/npa.htmhttp://www.ksbn.org/npa/npa.htmhttp://www.iowa.gov/nursing/ia_law/Iowa%20Code%20Extracts.pdfhttp://www.in.gov/pla/files/ISBN_2008_EDITION.pdfhttp://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=041000700K6.4http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=041000700K6.4http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs5.asp?ActID=1312&ChapterID=24http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/idstat/Title54/T54CH14.htmhttp://hawaii.gov/dcca/pvl/hrs/hrs_pvl_457.pdf


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Links to Nurse Practice Acts and State Regulationsphysical and psychosocial signs and symptoms essential

to effective execution and management of the nursing

regimen and shall be construed as distinct from a

medical diagnosis. (p. 4)

Kentucky "Nursing process" means the investigative approach to

nursing practice utilizing a method of problem-solving

by means of:

(a) Nursing diagnosis, a systematic investigation of a

health concern, and an analysis of the data collected in

order to arrive at an identifiable problem; and

(b) Planning, implementation, and evaluation based on

nationally accepted standards of nursing practice;

"Sexual assault nurse examiner" means a registered

nurse who has completed the required education and

clinical experience and maintains a current credential

from the board as provided under KRS 314.142 to

conduct forensic examinations of victims of sexual

offenses under the medical protocol issued by the

Justice and Public Safety Cabinet in consultation with

the Sexual Assault Response Team Advisory Committee

pursuant to KRS 216B.400(4);

314.142 Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program --

Advisory council.

(1) The Kentucky Board of Nursing shall promulgateadministrative regulations pursuant to KRS Chapter 13A

to create a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program.

These administrative regulations shall address, at a

minimum:

(a) Educational requirements for sexual assault nurse

examiners and statewide standards for provision of the

education;

(b) The application process through which registered

nurses who submit documentation of required

education and clinical experience and who remitthe designated application fee may apply to the board

to be credentialed as a "Sexual Assault Nurse

Examiner";

(c) Continuing education requirements for maintenance

of the sexual assault nurse examiner credential;

(d) Methods of monitoring overall program

implementation; and

(e) Procedures for obtaining input from the Sexual
http://www.kbn.ky.gov/practice/http://www.kbn.ky.gov/practice/


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Links to Nurse Practice Acts and State RegulationsAssault Response Team Advisory Committee

established under KRS Chapter 403 prior to proposing

amendments to any provision of the administrative

regulations promulgated under this section or KRS

314.131.

(2) Any person in this state who holds a credential as a

Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner as defined in KRS

314.011(14) shall have the right to use the title "Sexual

Assault Nurse Examiner" and the abbreviation "SANE".

No other person shall assume the title or use the

abbreviation or any other words, letters, signs, or

figures to indicate that the person using the same is a

Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner.

http://www.lrc.ky.gov/krs/314-00/142.PDF

Obtaining the SANE credential:

http://kbn.ky.gov/apply/sane.htmLouisiana "Nursing diagnosis" means the identification of actual

or potential responses to health needs or problems

based on collecting, analyzing, and comparing data with

appropriate nursing standards to serve as the basis for

indicating nursing care or for which referral to

appropriate medical or community resources is

necessary.

"Practice of nursing" means the performance, with or

without compensation, by an individual licensed by the

board as a registered nurse, of functions requiringspecialized knowledge and skills derived from the

biological, physical, and behavioral sciences. The

practice of nursing or registered nursing shall not be

deemed to include acts of medical diagnosis or medical

prescriptions of therapeutic or corrective nature.

Board of Nursing motion to recognize SANE function

under the scope of RN practice:

http://www.lsbn.state.la.us/Portals/1/Documents/agen

das/pracmin071503.pdf

Maine 2. Professional nursing. The practice of "professional

nursing" means the performance by a registered

professional nurse for compensation of professional
http://www.lrc.ky.gov/krs/314-00/142.PDFhttp://www.lrc.ky.gov/krs/314-00/142.PDFhttp://kbn.ky.gov/apply/sane.htmhttp://kbn.ky.gov/apply/sane.htmhttp://www.lsbn.state.la.us/Documents/npa/npafull.pdfhttp://www.lsbn.state.la.us/Portals/1/Documents/agendas/pracmin071503.pdfhttp://www.lsbn.state.la.us/Portals/1/Documents/agendas/pracmin071503.pdfhttp://www.lsbn.state.la.us/Portals/1/Documents/agendas/pracmin071503.pdfhttp://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/32/title32ch31sec0.htmlhttp://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/32/title32ch31sec0.htmlhttp://www.lsbn.state.la.us/Portals/1/Documents/agendas/pracmin071503.pdfhttp://www.lsbn.state.la.us/Portals/1/Documents/agendas/pracmin071503.pdfhttp://www.lsbn.state.la.us/Documents/npa/npafull.pdfhttp://kbn.ky.gov/apply/sane.htmhttp://www.lrc.ky.gov/krs/314-00/142.PDF


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Links to Nurse Practice Acts and State Regulationsservices defined as follows:

A. Diagnosis and treatment of human responses to

actual or potential physical and emotional health

problems through such services as case finding, health

teaching, health counseling and provision of care

supportive to or restorative of life and well-being and

execution of the medical regimen as prescribed by a

licensed physician, podiatrist or dentist or otherwise

legally authorized individual acting under the delegated

authority of a physician, podiatrist or dentist:

(1) "Diagnosis" in the context of nursing practice means



to effective execution and

management of the nursing regimen. This diagnostic

privilege is distinct from medical diagnosis; (p. 3)Maryland "Practice registered nursing" means the performance of

acts requiring substantial specialized knowledge,

judgment, and skill based on the biological,

physiological, behavioral, or sociological sciences as the

basis for assessment, nursing diagnosis, planning,

implementation, and evaluation of the practice of

nursing in order to:

(i) Maintain health;

(ii) Prevent illness; or

(iii) Care for or rehabilitate the ill, injured, or infirm.

Forensic Nurse Examiner regulatory language:

http://www.dsd.state.md.us/comar/SubtitleSearch.asp

x?search=10.27.21.*

Forensic Nurse Examiner certification via the Maryland

Board of Nursing:

http://www.mbon.org/main.php?v=norm&p=0&c=adv_

prac/rn-fne_instructions.html

Massachusetts Diagnosis is not mentioned

Michigan Diagnosis is not mentioned

Minnesota Diagnosis is not mentioned

Mississippi The practice of nursing by a registered nurse means the

performance for compensation of services which

requires substantial knowledge of the biological,

physical, behavioral, psychological and sociological

sciences and of nursing theory as the basis for
http://www.mbon.org/main.php?v=norm&p=0&c=practice/nurse_practice_act.htmlhttp://www.dsd.state.md.us/comar/SubtitleSearch.aspx?search=10.27.21.*http://www.dsd.state.md.us/comar/SubtitleSearch.aspx?search=10.27.21.*http://www.dsd.state.md.us/comar/SubtitleSearch.aspx?search=10.27.21.*http://www.mbon.org/main.php?v=norm&p=0&c=adv_prac/rn-fne_instructions.htmlhttp://www.mbon.org/main.php?v=norm&p=0&c=adv_prac/rn-fne_instructions.htmlhttp://www.mbon.org/main.php?v=norm&p=0&c=adv_prac/rn-fne_instructions.htmlhttp://www.massnurses.org/files/file/Legislation-and-Politics/np_act.pdfhttp://www.massnurses.org/files/file/Legislation-and-Politics/np_act.pdfhttp://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(x0bdycaa4jhn4l55opaw1uj1))/mileg.aspx?page=GetObject&objectname=mcl-368-1978-15-172http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(x0bdycaa4jhn4l55opaw1uj1))/mileg.aspx?page=GetObject&objectname=mcl-368-1978-15-172http://mn.gov/health-licensing-boards/nursing/laws-and-rules/nurse-practice-act/http://mn.gov/health-licensing-boards/nursing/laws-and-rules/nurse-practice-act/http://www.msbn.state.ms.us/pdf/nsgpracticelaw2010.pdfhttp://www.msbn.state.ms.us/pdf/nsgpracticelaw2010.pdfhttp://www.msbn.state.ms.us/pdf/nsgpracticelaw2010.pdfhttp://mn.gov/health-licensing-boards/nursing/laws-and-rules/nurse-practice-act/http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(x0bdycaa4jhn4l55opaw1uj1))/mileg.aspx?page=GetObject&objectname=mcl-368-1978-15-172http://www.massnurses.org/files/file/Legislation-and-Politics/np_act.pdfhttp://www.mbon.org/main.php?v=norm&p=0&c=adv_prac/rn-fne_instructions.htmlhttp://www.mbon.org/main.php?v=norm&p=0&c=adv_prac/rn-fne_instructions.htmlhttp://www.dsd.state.md.us/comar/SubtitleSearch.aspx?search=10.27.21.*http://www.dsd.state.md.us/comar/SubtitleSearch.aspx?search=10.27.21.*http://www.mbon.org/main.php?v=norm&p=0&c=practice/nurse_practice_act.html


11/18

Links to Nurse Practice Acts and State Regulationsassessment, diagnosis, planning, intervention and

evaluation in the promotion and maintenance of

health; management of individuals' responses to illness,

injury or infirmity; the restoration of optimum

function; or the achievement of a dignified death.

Nursing practice includes, but is not limited to,

administration, teaching, counseling, delegation and

supervision of nursing, and execution of the medical

regimen, including the administration of medications

and treatments prescribed by any licensed or legally

authorized physician or dentist. The foregoing shall not

be deemed to include acts of medical diagnosis or

prescriptions of medical, therapeutic or corrective

measures, except as may be set forth by rules and

regulations promulgated and implemented by the

Mississippi Board of Nursing. (p. 3)Missouri (I) Nothing in these rules shall be construed to permit

medical diagnosis of any condition by an RN pursuant

to a collaborative practice arrangement. (p. 18)

Montana Diagnosis is not mentioned

Nebraska Practice of nursing by a registered nurse, defined. (1)

The practice of nursing by a registered nurse means

assuming responsibility and accountability for nursing

actions. (2) Nursing actions include, but are not limited

to:

(a) Assessing human responses to actual or potentialhealth conditions;

(b) Establishing nursing diagnoses; (p. 2)

Nevada Practice of nursing defined. Practice of nursing

means the general observation, diagnosis and

treatment of changes in a persons health. The term

does not include acts of medical diagnosis or

prescription of therapeutic or corrective measures,

except as authorized by specific statute.

SANE practice decision pursuant to RNs:

http://nevadanursingboard.org/wp-

content/uploads/2011/10/Sexual-assault-nurse-

examiner.pdf
http://pr.mo.gov/nursing-rules-statutes.asphttp://bsd.dli.mt.gov/license/bsd_boards/nur_board/pdf/sp_guide.pdfhttp://dhhs.ne.gov/publichealth/Licensure/Documents/Nursing-NursePracticeAct.pdfhttp://dhhs.ne.gov/publichealth/Licensure/Documents/Nursing-NursePracticeAct.pdfhttp://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-632.htmlhttp://nevadanursingboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Sexual-assault-nurse-examiner.pdfhttp://nevadanursingboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Sexual-assault-nurse-examiner.pdfhttp://nevadanursingboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Sexual-assault-nurse-examiner.pdfhttp://nevadanursingboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Sexual-assault-nurse-examiner.pdfhttp://nevadanursingboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Sexual-assault-nurse-examiner.pdfhttp://nevadanursingboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Sexual-assault-nurse-examiner.pdfhttp://nevadanursingboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Sexual-assault-nurse-examiner.pdfhttp://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-632.htmlhttp://dhhs.ne.gov/publichealth/Licensure/Documents/Nursing-NursePracticeAct.pdfhttp://bsd.dli.mt.gov/license/bsd_boards/nur_board/pdf/sp_guide.pdfhttp://pr.mo.gov/nursing-rules-statutes.asp


12/18

Links to Nurse Practice Acts and State RegulationsNew Hampshire "Registered nursing'' means the application of nursing

knowledge, judgment, and skill drawn from broad in-

depth education in the biological, psychological, social,

and physical sciences in assessing and diagnosing the

health status of a client, and in planning, implementing,

and evaluating client care which promotes the

optimum health, wellness, and independence of the

individual, the family, and the community.

New Jersey The practice of nursing as a registered professional

nurse is defined as diagnosing and treating human

responses to actual or potential physical and emotional

health problems, through such services as casefinding,

health teaching, health counseling, and provision of

care supportive to or restorative of life and well-being,

and executing medical regimens as prescribed by a

licensed or otherwise legally authorized physician ordentist. Diagnosing in the context of nursing practice

means that identification of and discrimination

between physical and psychosocial signs and symptoms

essential to effective execution and management of the

nursing regimen. Such diagnostic privilege is distinct

from a medical diagnosis. (p. 20)

Forensic Nurse-Certified Sexual Assault application

packet:

http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/nursing/ForensicNu

rse.pdf

New Mexico "professional registered nursing" means the practice of

the full scope of nursing requiring substantial

knowledge of the biological, physical, social and

behavioral sciences and of nursing theory and mayinclude advanced practice pursuant to the Nursing

Practice Act. This practice includes but is not limited

to:

(2) establishing a nursing diagnosis;

"[N]ursing diagnosis" means a clinical judgment about

individual, family or community responses to actual or

potential health problems or life processes, which

judgment provides a basis for the selection of nursing
http://www.nh.gov/nursing/rules/index.htmlhttp://www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/nursing/nurselaws.pdfhttp://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/nursing/ForensicNurse.pdfhttp://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/nursing/ForensicNurse.pdfhttp://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/nursing/ForensicNurse.pdfhttp://nmbon.sks.com/uploads/files/New%20Mexico%20Nursing%20Practice%20Act.pdfhttp://nmbon.sks.com/uploads/files/New%20Mexico%20Nursing%20Practice%20Act.pdfhttp://nmbon.sks.com/uploads/files/New%20Mexico%20Nursing%20Practice%20Act.pdfhttp://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/nursing/ForensicNurse.pdfhttp://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/nursing/ForensicNurse.pdfhttp://www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/nursing/nurselaws.pdfhttp://www.nh.gov/nursing/rules/index.html


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Links to Nurse Practice Acts and State Regulationsinterventions to achieve outcomes for which the

person making the judgment is accountable;

New York "Diagnosing" in the context of nursing practice means



to effective execution and management of the nursing

regimen. Such diagnostic privilege is distinct from a

medical diagnosis.

The practice of the profession of nursing as a registered

professional nurse is defined as diagnosing and treating

human responses to actual or potential health

problems through such services as casefinding, health

teaching, health counseling, and provision of care

supportive to or restorative of life and well-being, and

executing medical regimens prescribed by a licensed

physician, dentist or other licensed health care providerlegally authorized under this title and in accordance

with the commissioner's regulations. A nursing regimen

shall be consistent with and shall not vary any existing

medical regimen.

Department of Health SAFE Examiner Standards:

http://www.health.ny.gov/professionals/safe/docs/safe

_examiner_standards.pdf

Northern Mariana Islands

North Carolina Formulation of a nursing diagnosis includes:

(A) describing actual or potential responses to health

conditions. Such responses are those for which nursing

care is indicated, or for which referral to medical or

community resources is appropriate; and(B) developing a statement of a client problem

identified through interpretation of collected data. (p.

1)

SANE laws and regulations:

http://www.ncbon.com/content.aspx?id=34

North Dakota "Nursing" means the performance of acts utilizing

specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities for people in

a variety of settings. The term includes the following

acts, which may not be deemed to include acts of

medical diagnosis or treatment or the practice of
http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/nurse/article139.htmhttp://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/nurse/article139.htmhttp://www.health.ny.gov/professionals/safe/docs/safe_examiner_standards.pdfhttp://www.health.ny.gov/professionals/safe/docs/safe_examiner_standards.pdfhttp://www.health.ny.gov/professionals/safe/docs/safe_examiner_standards.pdfhttp://www.ncbon.com/content.aspx?id=666http://www.ncbon.com/content.aspx?id=34http://www.ncbon.com/content.aspx?id=34http://www.legis.nd.gov/cencode/t43c12-1.pdfhttp://www.legis.nd.gov/cencode/t43c12-1.pdfhttp://www.legis.nd.gov/cencode/t43c12-1.pdfhttp://www.ncbon.com/content.aspx?id=34http://www.ncbon.com/content.aspx?id=666http://www.health.ny.gov/professionals/safe/docs/safe_examiner_standards.pdfhttp://www.health.ny.gov/professionals/safe/docs/safe_examiner_standards.pdfhttp://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/nurse/article139.htm


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Links to Nurse Practice Acts and State Regulationsmedicine as defined in chapter 43-17:

a. The maintenance of health and prevention of illness.

b. Diagnosing human responses to actual or potential

health problems.

c. Providing supportive and restorative care and

nursing treatment, medication administration, health

counseling and teaching, case finding and referral

of individuals who are ill, injured, or experiencing

changes in the normal health processes.

d. Administration, teaching, supervision, delegation,

and evaluation of health and nursing practices.

e. Collaboration with other health care professionals in

the implementation of the total health care regimen

and execution of the health care regimen prescribed by

a health care practitioner licensed under the laws of

this state. (p. 1)Ohio 4723.151 Unlicensed practice.

(A) Medical diagnosis, prescription of medical

measures, and the practice of medicine or surgery or

any of its branches by a nurse are prohibited.

Oklahoma "The practice of nursing" means the performance of

services provided for purposes of nursing diagnosis and

treatment of human responses to actual or potential

health problems consistent with educational

preparation. Knowledge and skill are the basis for

assessment, analysis, planning, intervention, andevaluation used in the promotion and maintenance of

health and nursing management of illness, injury,

infirmity, restoration or optimal function, or death with

dignity. Practice is based on understanding the human

condition across the human lifespan and understanding

the relationship of the individual within the

environment. This practice includes execution of the

medical regime including the administration of

Board of Nursing declaration to recognize SANE role

within the scope of RN practice:

http://www.ok.gov/nursing/rnsassualt.pdf
http://www.nursing.ohio.gov/Law_and_Rule.htmhttp://www.ok.gov/nursing/act.pdfhttp://www.ok.gov/nursing/rnsassualt.pdfhttp://www.ok.gov/nursing/rnsassualt.pdfhttp://www.ok.gov/nursing/rnsassualt.pdfhttp://www.ok.gov/nursing/act.pdfhttp://www.nursing.ohio.gov/Law_and_Rule.htm


15/18

Links to Nurse Practice Acts and State Regulationsmedications and treatments prescribed by any person

authorized by state law to so prescribe; (p. 3)

Oregon Nursing Diagnostic Statements means the nursing

diagnoses or reasoned conclusions which are

developed as a result of nursing assessment. They

describe a clients actual or potential health problems

which are amenable to resolution by means of nursing

strategies, interventions or actions;

"Nursing process" means the systematic problem

solving method licensed nurses use when they provide

nursing care. The nursing process includes assessing,

making nursing diagnoses, planning, intervening, and

evaluating. The steps of the nursing process are

interrelated and together form the basis for the

practice of nursing;

Registered Nurse Scope of Practice as A Sexual Assault

Nurse ExaminerBoard of Nursing policy statement:

http://www.oregon.gov/osbn/pdfs/policies/sane.pdf

Pennsylvania (1) The Practice of Professional Nursing meansdiagnosing and treating human responses to actual or

potential health problems through such services as

casefinding, health teaching, health counseling, and

provision of care supportive to or restorative of life and

well-being, and executing medical regimens as

prescribed by a licensed physician or dentist. The

foregoing shall not be deemed to include acts of

medical diagnosis or prescription of medical

therapeutic or corrective measures, except as

performed by a certified registered nurse practitioneracting in accordance with rules and regulations

promulgated by the Board

(4)Diagnosing means that identification of and

discrimination between physical and psychosocial signs

and symptoms essential to effective execution and

management of the nursing regimen. (p. 2)

Puerto Rico

Rhode Island Diagnosis is not mentioned
http://www.oregon.gov/OSBN/adminrules.shtmlhttp://www.oregon.gov/osbn/pdfs/policies/sane.pdfhttp://www.oregon.gov/osbn/pdfs/policies/sane.pdfhttp://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=18&objID=487011&mode=2http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=18&objID=487011&mode=2http://www.health.ri.gov/for/nurses/http://www.health.ri.gov/for/nurses/http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=18&objID=487011&mode=2http://www.oregon.gov/osbn/pdfs/policies/sane.pdfhttp://www.oregon.gov/OSBN/adminrules.shtml


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Links to Nurse Practice Acts and State RegulationsSouth Carolina "Nursing diagnosis" means a clinical judgment about a

person, family, or community that is derived through a

nursing assessment and the standard nursing

taxonomy.

Advisory opinion on the use of the colposcope by RNs

functioning as SANEs:

http://www.llr.state.sc.us/POL/Nursing/AdvisoryOp/AO

36.pdf

South Dakota "Nursing diagnosis," the identification of and

discrimination between physical and psychological

signs or symptoms essential to the effective execution

and management of a nursing regimen.

Scope of registered nursing practice. As used in this

chapter, the practice of nursing by a registered nurse

means the:

(1) Nursing diagnosis of human responses to actual or

potential health problems of individuals or groups,

providing preventative, restorative and supportive care,

health teaching and counseling, case finding and

referral;

Board of Nursing advisory opinion on SANE role within

the scope of RN practice:

http://doh.sd.gov/boards/nursing/title-

opinion.aspx#SART

Tennessee The practice of professional nursing does not include

acts of medical diagnosis or the development of a

medical plan of care and therapeutics for a patient,

except to the extent such acts may be authorized by

63-1-132, 63-7-123 and 63-7-207.

Texas The registered nurse shall assist in the determination of

healthcare needs of clients and shall:

(A) Utilize a systematic approach to provide

individualized, goal-directed, nursing care by:

(i) performing comprehensive nursing assessmentsregarding the health status of the client;

(ii) making nursing diagnoses that serve as the basis

for the strategy of care;

(iii) developing a plan of care based on the

assessment and nursing diagnosis;

Forensic evidence collection provision:

http://www.bne.state.tx.us/practice/faq-

forensicevidence.html

SANE Certification through the Texas AttorneyGenerals Office:

https://www.oag.state.tx.us/victims/sapcs.shtml#certifi

cation

Utah Diagnosis is not mentioned

Vermont "Registered nursing" means the practice of nursing

which includes:

SANE Board (via Department of Health and Human

Services) Regulation of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners:
http://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t40c033.phphttp://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t40c033.phphttp://www.llr.state.sc.us/POL/Nursing/AdvisoryOp/AO36.pdfhttp://www.llr.state.sc.us/POL/Nursing/AdvisoryOp/AO36.pdfhttp://www.llr.state.sc.us/POL/Nursing/AdvisoryOp/AO36.pdfhttp://doh.sd.gov/Boards/Nursing/nurseact.aspxhttp://doh.sd.gov/boards/nursing/title-opinion.aspx#SARThttp://doh.sd.gov/boards/nursing/title-opinion.aspx#SARThttp://doh.sd.gov/boards/nursing/title-opinion.aspx#SARThttp://www.tnaonline.org/npa-rules.htmlhttp://www.bne.state.tx.us/practice/gen_practice.htmlhttp://www.bne.state.tx.us/practice/faq-forensicevidence.htmlhttp://www.bne.state.tx.us/practice/faq-forensicevidence.htmlhttps://www.oag.state.tx.us/victims/sapcs.shtml#certificationhttps://www.oag.state.tx.us/victims/sapcs.shtml#certificationhttps://www.oag.state.tx.us/victims/sapcs.shtml#certificationhttp://www.rules.utah.gov/publicat/code/r156/r156-31b.htmhttp://www.leg.state.vt.us/statutes/fullchapter.cfm?Title=26&Chapter=028http://www.leg.state.vt.us/statutes/fullchapter.cfm?Title=26&Chapter=028http://www.leg.state.vt.us/statutes/fullchapter.cfm?Title=26&Chapter=028http://www.rules.utah.gov/publicat/code/r156/r156-31b.htmhttps://www.oag.state.tx.us/victims/sapcs.shtml#certificationhttps://www.oag.state.tx.us/victims/sapcs.shtml#certificationhttp://www.bne.state.tx.us/practice/faq-forensicevidence.htmlhttp://www.bne.state.tx.us/practice/faq-forensicevidence.htmlhttp://www.bne.state.tx.us/practice/gen_practice.htmlhttp://www.tnaonline.org/npa-rules.htmlhttp://doh.sd.gov/boards/nursing/title-opinion.aspx#SARThttp://doh.sd.gov/boards/nursing/title-opinion.aspx#SARThttp://doh.sd.gov/Boards/Nursing/nurseact.aspxhttp://www.llr.state.sc.us/POL/Nursing/AdvisoryOp/AO36.pdfhttp://www.llr.state.sc.us/POL/Nursing/AdvisoryOp/AO36.pdfhttp://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t40c033.php


17/18

Links to Nurse Practice Acts and State Regulations(A) Assessing the health status of individuals and

groups.

(B) Establishing a nursing diagnosis

http://www.vtnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/SANE-

Final-Rule-as-Adopted-04-30-10.pdf

Virgin Islands

Virginia Diagnosis is not mentioned

Washington Nursing Diagnosis/Problem Identification: The

registered nurse uses client data and nursing scientific

principles to develop nursing diagnosis and to identify

client problems in order to deliver effective nursing

care;

West Virginia Diagnosis is not mentioned

Wisconsin Diagnosis is not mentioned

Wyoming "Nursing process" means the investigative approach to

nursing practice utilizing a method of problem

identification by means of:

(A)Assessment: A systematic and continuous collection

of objective and subjective data about the health status

of individuals and groups derived from observations,

health assessment including physical assessment,

interviews, written records and reports;

(B) Nursing Diagnosis: The identification of actual or

potential responses to health needs or problems based

on collecting, analyzing and comparing data with

appropriate nursing standards to serve as the basis for

providing nursing care or for which referral to

appropriate medical or community resources isrequired;

(C) Planning: Development of a plan of care which

includes measurable goals derived from the nursing

diagnosis and identified priorities to maintain comfort,

support of human functions and responses, and an

environment conducive to wellness;

(D)Intervention: Actions in nursing practice which

implement the plan of care to maximize health
http://www.vtnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/SANE-Final-Rule-as-Adopted-04-30-10.pdfhttp://www.vtnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/SANE-Final-Rule-as-Adopted-04-30-10.pdfhttp://www.vtnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/SANE-Final-Rule-as-Adopted-04-30-10.pdfhttp://www.dhp.virginia.gov/nursing/leg/Chapter%2030%20Nursing.dochttp://www.dhp.virginia.gov/nursing/leg/Chapter%2030%20Nursing.dochttp://www.doh.wa.gov/LicensesPermitsandCertificates/NursingCommission/Laws.aspxhttp://www.doh.wa.gov/LicensesPermitsandCertificates/NursingCommission/Laws.aspxhttp://www.wvrnboard.com/images/Scope%20and%20Delegation%20Booklet%206.09.pdfhttp://www.wvrnboard.com/images/Scope%20and%20Delegation%20Booklet%206.09.pdfhttp://www.wisconsinnurses.org/media/NursePracticeAct.pdfhttp://legisweb.state.wy.us/statutes/statutes.aspx?file=titles/Title33/T33CH21.htmhttp://legisweb.state.wy.us/statutes/statutes.aspx?file=titles/Title33/T33CH21.htmhttp://legisweb.state.wy.us/statutes/statutes.aspx?file=titles/Title33/T33CH21.htmhttp://www.wisconsinnurses.org/media/NursePracticeAct.pdfhttp://www.wvrnboard.com/images/Scope%20and%20Delegation%20Booklet%206.09.pdfhttp://www.doh.wa.gov/LicensesPermitsandCertificates/NursingCommission/Laws.aspxhttp://www.dhp.virginia.gov/nursing/leg/Chapter%2030%20Nursing.dochttp://www.vtnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/SANE-Final-Rule-as-Adopted-04-30-10.pdfhttp://www.vtnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/SANE-Final-Rule-as-Adopted-04-30-10.pdf


18/18

Links to Nurse Practice Acts and State Regulationscapabilities of individuals and groups;

(E)Evaluation: The continuous appraisal of the

effectiveness of goal attainment in the plan of care by

means of reassessing health status, and if necessary,

modifying nursing diagnosis, plan of care and

interventions.

.