(a) Description of the practice of nursing—the practice of nursing as performed by a “registered nurse” is a process in which substantial knowledge derived from biological, physical and behavioral sciences is applied to the assessment, planning, intervention and evaluation of persons who are experiencing changes in the normal life processes or who require assistance in the maintenance and promotion of health, and in the management of illness, or infirmity, or in the achievement of dignified death. The nursing process is executed directly, or indirectly through acts of supervision, or teaching, of others. It includes the administration of medication, and treatment as established by standardized protocols or prescribed by a licensed physician or dentist. The nurse may independently initiate emergency action.
(b) Description of the practice of nurse specialist—the practice of a “nurse specialist” means the performance of advanced or specialized nursing acts which require post basic registered nurse education and experience for which the specialist has been credentialed by a certifying body which is recognized by the Board.
(c) Description of licensed practical nurse—the practice of nursing by a “licensed practical nurse” means the basic application of the nursing process under the direction and supervision of a registered nurse, licensed physician, and/or licensed dentist to persons who are experiencing changes in the normal life process, or who require assistance in the maintenance and promotion of health, and in the management of illness, injury or infirmity, or in the achievement of dignified death. The licensed practical nurse executes such acts as the administration of medication and treatment as established by standardized protocol or prescribed by a licensed physician or dentist. In addition, the licensed practical nurse may initiate emergency action if specifically prepared and authorized.
(d) Description of advanced practice registered nurse or APRN— “Advanced practice registered nurse” or “APRN” means a person who:
(1) is licensed as a registered nurse under this chapter;
(2) meets the requirements for licensure as an advanced practice registered nurse under Section 101a(a)(2);
(3) has a written collaborative agreement with a collaborating physician in the diagnosis of illness and management of wellness and other conditions as appropriate to the level and area of his practice in accordance with Section 101a(b); and
(4) cares for patients
(A) by using advanced diagnostic skills, the results of diagnostic tests and procedures ordered by the advanced practice registered nurse, a physician assistant, a dentist, a podiatrist, or a physician, and professional judgment to initiate and coordinate the care of patients;
(B) by ordering diagnostic tests, prescribing medications and drugs in accordance with Section 101a(c), and administering medications and drugs; and
(C) by using medical, therapeutic, and corrective measures to treat illness and improve health status. Categories include certified nurse midwife (CNM), certified nurse practitioner (CNP), certified clinical nurse specialist (CCNS) or certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA).
(e) “Board” means the Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure.
(f) “Collaborating physician” means a physician licensed to practice medicine in accordance with title 27 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 1, subchapter I, who works with an advanced practice nurse and provides medical consultation as documented in a written collaborative agreement required under Section 101a(b).
(g) “Collaborative practice agreement” means a written agreement by and between an advanced practice registered nurse and a collaborating physician wherein the physician collaborates with the advanced practice registered nurse to administer, dispense, and order drugs, devices, medical treatments, and diagnostic tests, and execute verbal and written prescription drug or device orders therefore, and which provides for the terms and conditions for the execution of a prescription drug or device order.
(h) “Dispense drugs” means to dispense pharmaceutical samples at no charge.