Action | 2011 Mental Health Services Program Changes for Appropriate Utilization & Provider Qualifications |
Stage | Final |
Comment Period | Ended on 1/29/2015 |
Psychiatric nurse pracitioners are not listed as a licensed mental health professional in this regulation. The provider handbook lists Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners as Licensed Mental Health Professionals. Currently the credential and board certification as a psychiatric mental health clinical nurse specialist is not available. The clinical nurse specialist and the nurse practitioner, once separate credentials have been collapsed to once credential which encompasses the scope of practice of both credentials. All new advanced practice psychiatric nurses are now credentialed and board certified as Psychiatric Nurse Pracitioners. Please ensure that the Psychiatric nurse practitioner is included as a Licensed Mental Health Professional. The clinical nurse specialist should remain as a provider category since those who obtained the credential are able to practice under it.