What is within the scope of practice for a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) in Arizona?

In Arizona, a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) is authorized to prescribe durable medical equipment (DME) as part of their advanced practice role. This includes evaluating patients and determining which medical equipment would be beneficial for their care. The ability to prescribe DME aligns with the CNS’s role in managing patient care and using their expertise to enhance patient outcomes through appropriate equipment usage.

Prescribing durable medical equipment is essential for patient rehabilitation and ensuring effective management of ongoing health needs. The CNS typically works within a specific specialty area, allowing them to determine the appropriate types of equipment based on the patient's condition and treatment plan. Thus, this capability is an integral part of the CNS's comprehensive care approach.

The other options involve activities that lie outside the legal scope or are not typically authorized for a CNS in Arizona. For example, establishing a medical diagnosis falls under the realm of physicians, and while advanced practice nurses can assess and interpret data to inform their care, they do not make official medical diagnoses. Similarly, prescribing over-the-counter medications is generally not included in the CNS's authority, as those are typically managed by patients themselves without a prescription. Performing radiography also requires specific licensure and training that is not encompassed within a CNS’s practice parameters, as this