Expanding Prescriptive Privileges for Clinical Nurse Specialists: Evidence From Practice

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-1-2026

Publication Title

Clinical nurse specialist CNS

Keywords

Humans, Nurse Clinicians, United States, Non-Medical Prescribing, Drug Prescriptions

Abstract

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this paper is to show how a critical care clinical nurse specialist (CNS) with prescriptive authority can address immediate patient needs, drive quality improvement, and improve population health outcomes.

DESCRIPTION: A review of the current legislative landscape suggests that CNS practice could be enhanced by adding prescriptive authority for the purposes of improving patient, nurse, and system outcomes. Though 41 states support CNS prescribing, many factors may hinder its implementation.

OUTCOMES: By examining the values of a CNS authorized to prescribe in their healthcare organization with real-time reflections (scenarios), the ability to enhance direct patient care, reduce delays, and foster nurse engagement is revealed.

CONCLUSION: CNSs who elect to obtain prescriptive privileges may have opportunities to improve patient services and outcomes.

Medical Subject Headings

Humans; Nurse Clinicians; United States; Non-Medical Prescribing; Drug Prescriptions

PubMed ID

41983759

Volume

40

Issue

3

First Page

109

Last Page

113

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