As active members of the psychiatric care team, the role, expertise, and education of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) is commonly misunderstood. The role of Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (PMH-APRNs) has been in development since the 1950s. Because of the multiple APRN roles and regulatory consensus model of 2008, there is much confusion among other practice disciplines, patients, and the public about the role of both types of PMH-APRNs, including the Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (PMHCNS) and the PMHNP. Unlike many of the other APRN populations, PMH-APRNs work across many acute and primary care practice settings.
This presentation outlines the historical evolution of PMH-APRN roles, including the implications of the LACE APRN consensus model. Additionally, education and trends in PMH-APRN workforce will be examined over time to clarify the role of PMH-APRNs.
Format
Recorded webinar, non-interactive, self-paced distance learning activity with post-test.
This presentation was recorded on February 19, 2019.
Learning Objectives
Describe the history of Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice Registered Nurses’ (PMH-APRNs) role development.
Distinguish among the various roles of PMH-APRNs.
Discuss trends in PMH-APRN workforce and the settings in which PMH-APRNs function.
Outline
- Historical Development of PMH-APRNs
- Education, Certification, and Scope of Practice
- Workforce Trends and Practice Settings
- Psychotherapy Training and Practice
- Regulatory and Practice Environment
Target Audience
Psychiatrist, Physician Assistant, Nurse Practitioner, Nurse, Pharmacist
Instructional Level
Intermediate; Advanced
Estimated Time to Complete
Estimated Duration: 1.0 hours
Program Start Date: July 30, 2025
Program End Date: July 30, 2028
How to Earn Credit
After completing the evaluation, participants will have the opportunity to claim their hours of participation and download the appropriate certificate. Physicians may obtain an official CME certificate, other healthcare professionals may receive a CE certificate (as applicable), and all other attendees may generate a certificate of participation. Each certificate will reflect the event date and total hours earned.
Continuing Education Credit
In support of improving patient care, American Psychiatric Association (APA) is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Physicians
The APA designates this live event for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Faculty and Planner Disclosures
The American Psychiatric Association adheres to the ACCME's Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Medical Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CME activity - including faculty, planners, reviewers, or others - are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible entities (commercial interests). All relevant conflicts of interest have been mitigated prior to the commencement of the activity.
Faculty
- Donna Rolin, PhD, APRN. Clinical Associate Professor and Director of the Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner program, School of Nursing, University of Texas, Austin. Reports no financial relationships with commercial interests.
Program Planners
- John Torous, MD, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Dr. Torous has no relevant financial relationships to disclose. (Reviewed on 3/7/22)
- Teri Brister, PhD, LPC, National Alliance on Mental Illness. Dr. Brister has no relevant financial relationships to disclose. (Reviewed on 3/11/22)
Accessibility for Participants with Disabilities
The American Psychiatric Association is committed to ensuring accessibility of its website to people with disabilities. If you have trouble accessing any of APA’s online resources, please contact us at 202-559-3900 for assistance.
Technical Requirements
This internet-based CME activity is best experienced using any of the following:
The latest and 2nd latest public versions of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Safari
Internet Explorer 11+
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Optimal System Configuration:
Browser: Google Chrome (latest and 2nd latest version), Safari (latest and 2nd latest version), Internet Explorer 11.0+, Firefox (latest and 2nd latest version), or Microsoft Edge (latest and 2nd latest version)
Operating System: Windows versions 8.1+, Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard) +, Android (latest and 2nd latest version), or iOS/iPad OS (latest and 2nd latest version)
Internet Connection: 1 Mbps or higher
Minimum Requirements:
Windows PC: Windows 8.1 or higher; 1 GB (for 32-bit)/2 GB (for 64-bit) or higher RAM; Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM driver; audio playback with speakers for programs with video content
Macintosh: Mac OS X 10.5 or higher with latest updates installed; Intel, PowerPC G5, or PowerPC G4 (867MHz or faster) processor; 512 MB or higher RAM; audio playback with speakers for programs with video content
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