Requirements for CNS

1. Hold a current unencumbered RN license from NM or holds a compact multistate license.
2. Successfully complete a clinical nursing specialist program at the master’s or doctorate level in a defined clinical nursing specialty through an accredited institution of higher education.
3. Provide evidence of successful completion of certification by a national nursing organization, consistent with the defined clinical nursing specialty, which meets criteria as listed below:
   1. Successfully complete a national certifying examination in the applicant’s area of specialty.
   2. Is certified by a national nursing organization.
4. Formulary: It is the CNS’s responsibility to maintain a formulary of dangerous drugs and controlled substances that may be prescribed; the only drugs to be included in the formulary are those relevant to the CNS’s specialty and practice setting. The board of nursing reserves the right to audit the formulary of the CNS.
5. For those who wish to prescribe/distribute controlled substances, instructions are enclosed.

Submit the following documents:

1. Complete the online application and pay the fee.
2. Official transcript of CNS program must be received directly from educational program.
3. Completed Verification Clinical Nurse Specialist Education Form must be received directly from the program.
4. Verification of initial national certification must be received directly from the National Certification Organization. Certification must show defined clinical nursing specialty.
   1. Individuals not nationally certified may be eligible for a work permit
5. Completed prescription affidavit or verification letter from preceptor on official letterhead.
6. Formulary: It is the CNS’s responsibility to maintain a formulary of dangerous drugs and controlled substances that may be prescribed; the only drugs to be included in the formulary are those relevant to the CNS’s specialty and practice setting. The board of nursing reserves the right to audit the formulary of the CNS.
7. GCNS permits may be issued upon written request by the employer, provided all requirements have been met except certification by a national nursing organization.

Prescriptive Authority

1. Official Transcript must be received directly from educational program. (see attached Prescriptive Authority requirements for additional educational requirements.
2. Completed Prescription Affidavit or Verification letter from Preceptor on Official Letterhead.
3. Formulary: It is the CNS’s responsibility to maintain a formulary of dangerous drugs and controlled substances that may be prescribed; the only drugs to be included in the formulary are those relevant to the CNS’s specialty and practice setting. The board of nursing reserves the right to audit the formulary of the CNS.
4. If you wish to request a work permit, you must meet the noted requirements and submit the noted documents (except copy of a national certification card).

Graduate Clinical Nurse Specialist (GCNS) Permit To Practice

1. GCNS permits may be issued upon written request, provided all requirements have been met except certification by a national nursing organization.
   1. GCNSs practice under the direct supervision of another CNS, CNP or physician in the specialty.
   2. GCNSs may prescribe medications only under the direct supervision of a licensed CNS, CNP or physician in compliance with these rules.
   3. GCNS permits will be issued to the employer.
   4. A letter of verification of intent to employ, on official letterhead including the name of the practice supervisor and the name of the prescription supervisor is required from each employer. Upon change in employment, the new employer must send the board a letter of intent to employ. The board will then issue a permit to practice at the new place of employment. The permit will be issued directly to the new employing agency.
   5. The name of the employment institution and the name(s) of the supervisor(s) shall be indicated on the GCNS permit.
   6. GCNS permits cannot be transferred or renewed.
   7. GCNS permits expire on the date specified on the permit. Permits shall be valid not to exceed six months after the date of the national certifying examination. Those who fail the national certifying examination are rendered ineligible to practice as a GCNS. It is the responsibility of the GCNS to request that the national certifying organization notify the board of the results of the examination.
2. An initial license to practice as a CNS shall be issued only after receipt by the board of proof of certification by a national nursing organization. Such proof must be submitted to the board directly from the certifying agency prior to the expiration of the permit or temporary license.
3. Applicants may not practice as Clinical Nurse Specialist, until licensed by the Board.
4. Applicants may not practice as Graduate Clinical Nurse Specialist until the Board has issued a permit to practice.