CNS
Scope of Practice
- SDCL 36-9-87 outlines the legal scope of practice for Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) who practice in the state in-person or via telehealth.
- Nurses and employers are encouraged to use the Board's APRN Scope of Practice Decisioning Algorithm as a guide to making decisions on whether a specific task, intervention, or activity is in a CNS's scope.
Telehealth
- All health care providers, including nurses, are expected to adhere to the requirements in SDCL 34-52 when providing services to patients located in South Dakota 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.
- All CNSs must hold an active South Dakota nursing license to practice nursing.
Prescribing
- South Dakota law does not authorize a CNS to prescribe or order medications.
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