65-1113. Definitions. [See Revisor's Note] When used in this act and the act of which this section is amendatory:

(a) "Board" means the board of nursing.

(b) "Diagnosis" in the context of nursing practice means that identification of and discrimination between physical and psychosocial signs and symptoms essential to effective execution and management of the nursing regimen and shall be construed as distinct from a medical diagnosis.

(c) "Treatment" means the selection and performance of those therapeutic measures essential to effective execution and management of the nursing regimen, and any prescribed medical regimen.

(d) Practice of nursing. (1) The practice of professional nursing as performed by a registered professional nurse for compensation or gratuitously, except as permitted by K.S.A. 65-1124, and amendments thereto, means the process in which substantial specialized knowledge derived from the biological, physical, and behavioral sciences is applied to: the care, diagnosis, treatment, counsel and health teaching of persons who are experiencing changes in the normal health processes or who require assistance in the maintenance of health or the prevention or management of illness, injury or infirmity; administration, supervision or teaching of the process as defined in this section; and the execution of the medical regimen as prescribed by a person licensed to practice medicine and surgery or a person licensed to practice dentistry. (2) The practice of nursing as a licensed practical nurse means the performance for compensation or gratuitously, except as permitted by K.S.A. 65-1124, and any amendments thereto, of tasks and responsibilities defined in part (1) of this subsection (d) which tasks and responsibilities are based on acceptable educational preparation within the framework of supportive and restorative care under the direction of a registered professional nurse, a person licensed to practice medicine and surgery or a person licensed to practice dentistry.

(e) A "professional nurse" means a person who is licensed to practice professional nursing as defined in part (1) of subsection (d) of this section.

(f) A "practical nurse" means a person who is licensed to practice practical nursing as defined in part (2) of subsection (d) of this section.

(g) "Advanced practice registered nurse" or "APRN" means a professional nurse who holds a license from the board to function as a professional nurse in an advanced role, and this advanced role shall be defined by rules and regulations adopted by the board in accordance with K.S.A. 65-1130, and amendments thereto.

History: L. 1949, ch. 331, § 1; L. 1963, ch. 314, § 1; L. 1975, ch. 316, § 1; L. 1978, ch. 240, § 1; L. 1980, ch. 186, § 1; L. 1983, ch. 206, § 6; L. 2011, ch. 114, § 39; Jan. 1, 2012.