MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2000 Regular Session

To: Public Health and Welfare

By: Senator(s) Huggins

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 73-15-5, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CLARIFY THE DEFINITION OF NURSING PRACTICE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 73-15-5, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

73-15-5. (1) Board means the Mississippi Board of Nursing.

(2) The practice of nursing by a registered nurse means the performance for compensation of services which require substantial knowledge of the biological, physical, behavioral, psychological and sociological sciences and of nursing theory as the basis for assessment, diagnosis, planning, intervention and evaluation in the promotion and maintenance of health; management of individuals' responses to illness, injury or infirmity; the restoration of optimum function; or the achievement of a dignified death. Nursing practice includes, but is not limited to, administration, teaching, counseling, delegation and supervision of nursing, and execution of the medical regimen, including the administration of medications and treatments prescribed by any licensed or legally authorized physician or dentist. The foregoing shall not be deemed to include acts of medical diagnosis or prescriptions of medical, therapeutic or corrective measures, except as may be set forth by rules and regulations promulgated and implemented by * * * the Mississippi Board of Nursing * * *.

(3) The practice of nursing by a licensed practical nurse means the performance for compensation of services requiring basic knowledge of the biological, physical, behavioral, psychological and sociological sciences and of nursing procedures which do not require the substantial skill, judgment and knowledge required of a registered nurse. These services are performed under the direction of a registered nurse or a licensed physician or licensed dentist and utilize standardized procedures in the observation and care of the ill, injured and infirm; in the maintenance of health; in action to safeguard life and health; and in the administration of medications and treatments prescribed by any licensed physician or licensed dentist authorized by state law to prescribe. On a selected basis, and within safe limits, the role of the licensed practical nurse shall be expanded by the board under its rule-making authority to more complex procedures and settings commensurate with additional preparation and experience.

(4) A license means an authorization to practice nursing as a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse designated herein.

(5) A registered nurse is a person who is licensed under the provisions of this chapter and who practices nursing as defined herein. "R.N." is the abbreviation for the title of registered nurse.

(6) A licensed practical nurse is a person who is licensed under this chapter and who practices practical nursing as defined herein. "L.P.N." is the abbreviation for the title of licensed practical nurse.

(7) A registered nurse in clinical practice is one who functions in any health care delivery system which provides nursing services.

(8) A nurse educator is a registered nurse who meets the criteria for faculty as set forth in a state accredited program of nursing for registered nurses, or a state approved program of nursing for licensed practical nurses, and who functions as a faculty member.

(9) A consumer representative is a person representing the interests of the general public, who may use services of a health agency or health professional organization or its members but who is neither a provider of health services, nor employed in the health services field, nor holds a vested interest in the provision of health services at any level, nor has an immediate family member who holds vested interests in the provisions of health services at any level.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2000.