In this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:

Terms Used In North Dakota Code 43-12.1-02

  • following: when used by way of reference to a chapter or other part of a statute means the next preceding or next following chapter or other part. See North Dakota Code 1-01-49
  • Individual: means a human being. See North Dakota Code 1-01-49
  • population: means the number of inhabitants as determined by the last preceding state or federal census. See North Dakota Code 1-01-47
  • Process: means a writ or summons issued in the course of judicial proceedings. See North Dakota Code 1-01-49
  • State: when applied to the different parts of the United States, includes the District of Columbia and the territories. See North Dakota Code 1-01-49

1.    “Advanced practice registered nurse” means an individual who holds a current license to practice in this state as an advanced practice registered nurse within one of the roles of certified nurse practitioner, certified registered nurse anesthetist, certified nurse midwife, or certified clinical nurse specialist, and who functions in one of the population foci as approved by the board.

2.    “Alternative to discipline” means a voluntary alternative to traditional discipline program designed for nurses with substance use disorders, behavioral health conditions, or medical health conditions.

3.    “Board” means the North Dakota board of nursing.

4.    “Licensed practical nurse” means an individual who holds a current license to practice in this state as a licensed practical nurse and who practices dependently under the supervision of a registered nurse, specialty practice registered nurse, advanced practice registered nurse, or licensed practitioner.

5.    “Nurse” means an individual who is currently licensed as an advanced practice registered nurse, specialty practice registered nurse, registered nurse, or licensed practical nurse.

6.    “Nursing” means the performance of acts utilizing specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities for people in a variety of settings. The term includes the following acts, which may not be deemed to include acts of medical diagnosis or treatment or the practice of medicine as defined in chapter 43-17:

a.    The maintenance of health and prevention of illness.

b.    Assessing and diagnosing human responses to actual or potential health problems.

c.    Providing supportive and restorative care and nursing treatment, medication administration, health counseling and teaching, case finding and referral of individuals who are ill, injured, or experiencing changes in the normal health processes.

d.    Administration, teaching, supervision, delegation, and evaluation of health and nursing practices.

e.    Collaboration with other health care professionals in the implementation of the total health care regimen and execution of the health care regimen prescribed by a health care practitioner licensed under the laws of this state.

7.    “Prescriptive practices” means assessing the need for drugs, immunizing agents, or devices and writing a prescription to be filled by a licensed pharmacist.

8.    “Registered nurse” means an individual who holds a current license to practice in this state as a registered nurse and who practices nursing independently and interdependently through the application of the nursing process.

9.    “Specialty practice registered nurse” means an individual who holds a current license to practice in this state as a specialty practice registered nurse and who has current certification from a national certifying body in a specific area of nursing practice.

10.    “Unlicensed assistive person” means an assistant to the nurse, who regardless of title is authorized to perform nursing interventions delegated and supervised by a nurse.