§8–514.

    (a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

        (2)    “Clinical nurse specialist” means an individual who:

            (i)    1.    Is licensed by the Board to practice registered nursing; or

                2.    Has a multistate licensure privilege to practice registered nursing under the Nurse Licensure Compact; and

            (ii)    Is certified by the Board to practice as a clinical nurse specialist.

        (3)    (i)    “Practice as a clinical nurse specialist” means to:

                1.    Provide direct care to patients with complex needs;

                2.    Act as a consultant to another health care provider as needed;

                3.    Conduct health–related research; and

                4.    Provide education and guidance for staff nurses.

            (ii)    “Practice as a clinical nurse specialist” includes:

                1.    Ordering, performing, and interpreting laboratory tests;

                2.    Ordering diagnostic tests and using the findings or results in the care of patients;

                3.    Prescribing drugs and durable medical equipment under regulations adopted by the Board;

                4.    Ordering home health and hospice care; and

                5.    Initiating, monitoring, and altering appropriate therapies or treatments.

    (b)    Practice as a clinical nurse specialist is governed by rules and regulations that are adopted under § 8–205 of this title and that concern additional acts in the practice of registered nursing.