PMHNP Practice In Maryland ✓ Solved
PMHNP Practice in Maryland
PMHNP practice in Maryland allows nurse practitioners to exercise their professional nursing practice independently after obtaining licensure. PMHNP students typically engage in a significant amount of their coursework through online learning, as sanctioned by the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC). Upon successful completion of their education, graduates must enter a collaborative agreement with a medical doctor for 18 months to facilitate monitoring of their nursing practice (Rubenfire, 2015).
In accordance with Maryland's scope of practice policy, nurse practitioners are permitted to operate within their specialty areas. This includes the authority to prescribe certain medications without necessitating an attestation agreement with physicians. However, it is mandatory for nurse practitioners to register with the Chesapeake Regional Information System for our Patients (CRISP) and possess a DEA number to ensure tracking of drug prescriptions (Rubenfire, 2015).
Comparison of PMHNP Practice: Maryland and Pennsylvania
When comparing the PMHNP practice environment in Maryland with its neighboring state Pennsylvania, several factors come into play that affect remuneration, including the medical setting in which practitioners operate, their experience, and the geographical location of their workplace. Both Maryland and Pennsylvania are overseen by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) for PMHNP examinations. Notably, while nurse practitioners in Pennsylvania may not practice independently, Maryland permits such independence without stringent supervision by medical doctors (Rubenfire, 2015).
Additionally, both states allow PMHNPs to work with patients experiencing mental health issues, without age restriction or specific practice settings, enabling care in mental health centers, home-based medical care, correctional facilities, or state psychiatric institutions.
Professional and Clinical Issues for New PMHNPs
New PMHNP students must familiarize themselves with various professional and clinical challenges pertinent to their practice. This includes understanding the mandatory laws regarding credit transfer and relocation, which vary by state. Consequently, new PMHNP students may have differing perceptions of these laws, prompting them to make informed choices about their preferred institutions (Monica, 2019).
Checklist for National Certification Exam
Upon expressing intent to join a PMHNP program, applicants are typically required to submit their applications within a 90-day window. The application is assessed by the licensing board using a specified committee's website. Following approval, applicants must pay an exam fee, which for PMHNP candidates is approximately $350 (Carthon, Wiltse Nicely, Altares Sarik, & Fairman, 2016).
After fee payment, the national board responsible for exams organizes the timeline for the examinations on its official site. Proper preparation is crucial for success in the national certification examination. This preparation involves pre-payment of examination fees to avoid any last-minute complications, meticulous scheduling in line with course objectives to ensure that no critical content is overlooked, and comprehensive study to master the requisite course material.
Conclusion
Overall, PMHNP practice in Maryland stands out due to its supportive legislative framework, which allows nurse practitioners a significant degree of autonomy. This independence, coupled with the collaborative requirement initially imposed on new graduates, ensures the provision of high-quality care. New PMHNPs must navigate various professional concerns and prepare thoroughly for their certification exams to succeed in their careers. Maryland's policies establish a robust environment, enhancing the capacity of PMHNPs to respond effectively to the mental health needs of the community.
References
- Carthon, J. M., Wiltse Nicely, K., Altares Sarik, D., & Fairman, J. (2016). Effective Strategies for Achieving Scope of Practice Reform in Pennsylvania. Policy, Politics, & Nursing Practice, 17(2), 99-109. doi:10.1177/
- Monica, K. (2019). How Maryland is Maximizing the Clinical Efficiency of PDMP Use. Retrieved from [URL].
- Rubenfire, A. (2015, May 14). Maryland allows nurse practitioners to practice independently of a physician. Retrieved from [URL].
- Wheeler, K., & Haber, J. (2018). Development of Psychiatric–Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Competencies: Opportunities for the 21st Century. Retrieved from [URL].