Practice
The WSBN has established rules as the regulatory agency enforcing the Nurse Practice Act of Wyoming (NPA) under §33-21-122.
Advisory Opinions
An Advisory Opinion adopted by WSBN is an interpretation of Wyoming law. While an advisory opinion is not law, it is the WSBN's official opinion on whether certain nursing procedures, policies, and other practices comply with the standards of nursing practice in Wyoming.
In an effort to provide evidence-based practice resources, the following are Official Advisory Opinions resulting from repetitive questions and need for clarification of standards of practice. Official Advisory Opinions are revised or retired as needed.
Items with an * are under revision.
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Opinions A-L
Opinions M-Z
FAQ's and Resources
What is within my role/scope of practice?
Review information on the role/scope from the WSBN Administrative Rules, Ch 2. Click HERE to review
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CNA / CNA II / MA-C
Review the Advisory Opinions (AO) that are particular to the CNA/CNAII/MA-C roles
Review the AO on Delegation
LPN/RN
Review the Advisory Opinions (AO) (listed below) that are particular to the LPN/RN roles
APRN
Wyoming is a full independent scope of practice state, following the national APRN Consensus Model of Regulation since its adoption in 2007. The model states; “Individuals will be licensed as independent practitioners for practice at the level of one of the four APRN roles within at least one of the six identified population foci. Education, certification, and licensure of an individual must be congruent in terms of role and population foci." (NCSBN, 2008, p.6) The setting of the care is not specific to the population foci. APRNs may provide care in all settings and supervision or collaboration agreements with any other provider is not required by Wyoming law.
The Wyoming Nurse Practice Act and Chapter Rules align with the national standards of regulation described in the APRN Consensus Model. See the Advisory Opinion APRN Scope of Practice Guidelines below for more detailed information.
Check with your national certification body regarding their license requirements. Wyoming does not require APRNs to hold an additional RN license. [see Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 33-21-127(a); Rules Wyo. Bd. of Nursing, Chapter 2, Section 3(a).]
How do I propose a new Advisory Opinion (AO) (new areas of practice or change to existing AO)?
Please place your request in writing using the criteria listed below. Forward your request to: wsbn.practice@wyo.gov. Be sure to attach copies of journal articles or other evidence-based resources from your search to support this proposed change. Below are some of the questions to address:
State the practice question. Example: “Is it within the scope of practice for an (CNA, LPN, RN, APRN, CRNA) to do . . .”
How is this in the best interest of the consumer (the recipient of the nursing service)?
Describe the current trends, standards (community, state, and national), nursing research, data and rationale that support this request.
Describe the impact on the nurse or CNA. Include how the scope of practice will be expanded and whether the practice would be considered independent, interdependent, or dependent.
Describe and analyze the risks, benefits and alternatives.
Describe the education components and/or requirements for initial and on-going competency.
Describe the relationship of this practice to current and previous practice decisions, statutes, regulations, and advisory opinions.
Include your name, place of employment and a phone number where you can be reached.
Resources for APRN Practice
Click to download
Frequently Asked Questions on APRN Practice (2018)
American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) Position Statements
NCSBN Full Independent Practice States
Consensus Model for APRN Regulation 2008 (LACE Committee)
*APRNs should also be aware of the requirements of their national certification agency in regards to their license and renewal requirements*
Evidence-Based Practice Standards
Opioid and Substance Use Disorder Resources
The Administrative Rules and Regulations for the WSBN (Ch 2, section 13) require each APRN to document three (3) hours of continuing education related to the responsible prescribing of controlled substances or treatment of substance abuse disorders (c)(ii).
At the time of renewal, the APRN must upload proof of completion of courses specific to this requirement.
The resources below have been reviewed and meet the requirements for this competency. This list is not comprehensive.
The title of the CE activity must be specific to prescribing controlled substances or treatment of substance use disorders to meet this requirement. If attending a conference, the APRN should keep a copy of the conference agenda that specifies courses that will be used to meet this competency.
Free CEUs
Applying CDC's Guideline for Prescribing Opioids
Register at this site to access the CDC's training modules. Once registered, Click on Search Courses do not change the other settings. You will see a number of modules where you can receive credit. Select the "Physician" option for CME.
Pain Management and Opioids-CME for Medical Professionals
ICRS - Understanding Substance Use Disorder in Nursing
ICRS - Nurse Manager Guidelines for Substance Use Disorder
National Institute on Drug Abuse Opioid CMEs
Nebraska Drug Overdose Prevention Note - the Pain Management and Acute Pain modules have been reviewed and deemed to meet the renewal competency
Safe and Effective Prescription of Controlled Substances
PCSS - Webinars Most (not all) have CEUs available
Practice Resources
Wyoming Online Prescription Database
NCSBN Substance Use Disorder in Nursing Resources
National Council of State Boards of Nursing Opioid Practice Toolkit
Questions?
Contact us!
Phone: (307) 777-6127
Email: wsbn.practice@wyo.gov