CLOSE
WEBSITE OF THE STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Joan Adam, Secretary of Health

 

CNS Practice

For More Information contact
 
 

SCOPE OF PRACTICE

Pursuant to SDCL 36-9-87, in addition to the RN scope of practice, as defined in SDCL 36-9-3, a clinical nurse   specialist (CNS) may:                                                                                                

(1)   Provide advanced nursing assessment, nursing interventions, and nursing care management in a clinical specialty area in a variety of settings, by integrating the areas of education, research, consultation, and leadership into their clinical role;

(2)  Utilize advanced nursing skills and knowledge to coordinate and manage highly complex nursing care problems across settings, across disciplines and agencies, and throughout the life span in a clinical specialty area; and

(3)  In collaboration with a licensed physician, prior to care being provided, order and dispense durable medical equipment or therapeutic devices or refer clients to qualified licensed providers under Title 36.

 

According to SDCL 36-9-1 (7), collaboration is defined as "the act of communicating pertinent information or consulting with a licensed physician or other licensed health care provider with each provider contributing the provider's respective expertise to optimize the overall care delivered to the patient".

CNSs are encouraged to use the APRN Scope of Practice Decisioning Algorithm to guide decision making on whether a specific task, intervention, or activity is, or is not, in a CNS's scope.        

South Dakota law does not authorize a CNS to prescribe or order medications.

SDBON Advisory Opinions & Position Statements

TELEHEALTH REQUIReMENTS

All healthcare providers are expected to adhere to the requirements in SDCL 34-52 when treating patients in the state through telehealth.  SDCL 34-52 includes the definition of telehealth and the requirements for treatment of patients, provider-patient relationship and exceptions, consultation recommendations, examination, prescribing, informed consent, and medical records. 
 

EXTERNAL LINKS

Resources on Opioid Use:
 

SHARE SAFE DRIVING INFORMATION WITH PATIENTS

The National Transportation Safety Board recommends health care providers discuss with patients the effect their medical condition and medication use has on the ability to safely operate a vehicle, in any mode of transportation.   Visit the National Institute on Drug Abuse to find resources to share with your patients on the dangers of Drugged Driving.