Several places in the manual refer specifically to use of a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Many Nurse Practitioners have provided psychiatric care for numerous years. Psychiatric NPs are more rare, and relatively newer. Nurse Practitioners in general should be allowed to complete evaluations for RCSU and 23 hour observation units if they are operating within their scope of practice. This is particularly appropriate in these settings that may see a number of individuals who have medical comorbidities and SUD problems at admission.
