(1) Psychiatric-mental health NP or psychiatric CNS practice means the independent and/or collaborative management of primary mental health care for individuals, families, and communities throughout the life span and for those who have or are at risk for developing mental health problems. The psychiatric-mental health practitioner may be educated as an NP or a CNS in the area of psychiatric-mental health advanced practice nursing. The practice of psychiatric-mental health practitioners includes:

(a) assessing the mental health status of individuals and families using methods appropriate to the client population and area of practice including:

(i) health history taking;

(ii) diagnosis and treatment of complex mental health issues; and

(iii) assessing developmental health problems.

(b) instituting and providing continuity of mental health care to clients;

(c) managing therapeutic regimens;

(d) ordering treatments and modalities;

(e) receiving and interpreting results of diagnostic procedures;

(f) working with clients to ensure their understanding of and compliance with therapeutic regimens;

(g) promoting mental health wellness and psychiatric disease prevention programs;

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

(i) instructing and counseling individuals, families, and groups in mental health promotion and maintenance, including involving the clients in planning for their health care; and

(j) working in collaboration with other health care providers and agencies to provide and coordinate services to individuals and families.

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