(1) Nurse practitioner (NP) practice means the independent and/or collaborative management of primary and/or acute health care of individuals, families, and communities including:

(a) assessing the health status of individuals and families using methods appropriate to the client population and area of practice such as health history taking, physical examination, and assessing developmental health problems.

(b) instituting and facilitating continuity of health care to clients, including:

(i) ordering durable medical equipment, treatments and modalities, and diagnostic tests;

(ii) receiving and interpreting results of diagnostic procedures;

(iii) making medical and nursing diagnoses; and

(iv) working with clients to promote their understanding of and compliance with therapeutic regimens.

(c) promoting wellness and disease prevention programs;

(d) referring clients to a physician or other health care provider, when appropriate;

(e) providing instruction and counseling to individuals, families, and groups in the areas of health promotion and maintenance, including involving such persons in planning for their health care; and

(f) working in collaboration with other health care providers and agencies to provide and, where appropriate, coordinate services to individuals and families.

(2) Every licensed NP shall abide by the practice standards and guidelines established by a NP national professional organization as identified by the NP.