No, only an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) who has met the necessary requirements outlined in statute is recognized as a psychiatric nurse.

Pursuant to s.394.455(35), F.S., “Psychiatric nurse” means an advanced practice registered nurse certified under s.464.012 who has a master’s or doctoral degree in psychiatric nursing, holds a national advanced practice certification as a psychiatric mental health advanced practice nurse, and has 1 year of post-master’s clinical experience under the supervision of a physician.

In addition, Section 464.012(4), FS, references: (e) A psychiatric nurse, who meets the requirements in s. 394.455(35), within the framework of an established protocol with a psychiatrist, may prescribe psychotropic controlled substances for the treatment of mental disorders.

For more information about this advanced practice certification, please visit the “Latest News” section of our website at http://floridasnursing.gov/latest-news/important-legislative-update-regarding-hb-977/.