PSYCHIATRIC–MENTAL HEALTH NURSE PRACTITIONER ROLE, SCOPE OF PRACTICE, AND REGULATORY PROCESS

The Psychiatric–Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) role integrates advanced nursing practice with specialized psychiatric knowledge to provide holistic care. PMHNPs are master's or doctoral-prepared, certified, and regulated by state and federal laws. Their responsibilities include assessment, psychotherapy, pharmacologic management, advocacy, and adherence to ethical, legal, and confidentiality standards, with a focus on patient rights and quality mental health care.