PMHNP Credentialing Essay: Nurse Practitioner Licensing in Kentucky

Introduction

There is a growing need for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs). This is evidenced by a report from the American Psych Association in 2020 that shows only 44% of adults and 20% of children and teenagers in the country receive mental health care or substance abuse help when needed. The increasing demand for PMHNP services and the delicate nature of these services call for a thorough application process, eligibility check process, and certification and licensing. This is done by the American Nursing Credentialing Center (ANCC). This paper discusses in-depth the accreditation process of PMHNPs, specifically in the state of Kentucky.

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Discussion

The American Nurses Credentialing Center has outlined the steps necessary to become a PMPHNP. These steps include a comprehensive application process and eligibility checks. These steps, in chronological order, include first becoming a registered nurse (RN) with relevant nursing experience of two years. A certified RN has completed a nursing program and passed the RN licensing examination, that is, the NCLEX-RN. As an RN, one can apply to accredited PMHNP programs, whether a doctoral or a master’s program. It should be noted that all PMHNP programs meet educational standards by being accredited by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The next step is to complete 500 faculty-supervised hours of PMNHP-related work. Finally, the aspiring PMNHP can apply for the PMHNP exam administered by the ANCC (AANP, 2020). My preparation for this exam has involved developing a study plan that works best for me. That includes mainly reviewing my notes, engaging in discussion groups, and reviewing ANCC examination resources. The ANCC general guidelines and renewal handbook and the test of content outlines have helped me identify areas I believe I need polishing. Going through sample questions and answers has also helped set the correct expectations of how questions are set and how best to structure my answers.

Once the aspiring PMHNP passes the required exam and earns a certificate, they can upgrade their RN license to an NP. Additionally, one is required to apply for PMHNP certification in the state where one wishes to practice. Each state has different specific requirements, qualifications, practice laws, and regulations for working. In the State of Kentucky, the procedural steps and requirements for licensing include: An online application for PMHNP licensure. That involves paying an application fee and submitting various documents, namely national certification, official transcripts, and a graduate degree receipt sent directly from the PMHNP accrediting institution. The prospective PMNHP must also pass state and federal background checks, which can be requested online. The application status can be checked online at any time. An email notification will be sent to the aspirant once the license has been approved. The email will contain the license number and expiration date (AANP, 2020).

If a PMNHP wishes to receive prescriptive authority in Kentucky, one must have a written collaborative practice agreement with a Kentucky licensed physician on file with the licensing board. It is also a requirement to have been licensed for a minimum of one year for controlled substances prescriptive authority for the initial license. In addition, a PMHNP can prescribe controlled drugs in 30-day amounts based on the relationship with their collaborative practice practitioner. The PMNHP license is renewed annually, and the Kentucky Board of Nursing sends a license renewal notification via email before the renewal period. The board requires a PMNHP to complete 14 contact hours of continuing education annually for licensing renewal; five of these hours are mandatory pharmacology education. The state of Kentucky restricts autonomous practice; hence PMNHPs must enter a collaborative agreement with physicians (Andrilla et al., 2018).

A new PMNHP needs insurance coverage as data from the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPBD) shows that psychiatric claims make up 5.2% of claims by specialty. Insurance credentialing for new practitioners may entail the purchase of nurse practitioner liability insurance. In most cases, however, employers are responsible for registering a practitioner with their malpractice insurance; hence, follow-up is required by the new PMNHP with their employer (Chapman et al., 2018). This is the case for the State of Kentucky, as an autonomous practice is restricted. The process can be lengthy (approximately 90-120 days); however, the Kentucky licensing board allows PMNHPs to apply for a Temporary Authorization to Practice which enables one to practice for a limited period as determined by the board.

Conclusion

Medical credentialing is vital and mandatory for any medical provider aspiring to start their career in the healthcare industry. It is a critical process as it ensures that medical practitioners have the skills and knowledge necessary to assist patients. Credentialing varies depending on a practitioner’s particular situation, and vigilance is highly recommended to ensure a smooth and fast credentialing process.

References

American Psychological Association. (2020). Stress in America, 2020: A National Mental Health Crisis. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2020/report=october

American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (2020). Information and Resources for Kentucky NPs. Retrieved from https:// www.aanp.org/advocacy/kentucky

Andrilla, C.H., Patterson, D.G., Garberson, L., A., Coulthard,C., Larson, E.H. (2018). Geographic Variation in the Supply of Selected Behavioral Health Providers. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 54(6), 199-207. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2018.01.

Chapman, S.A., Phoenix, B.J., Hahn, T.E., & Strod, D.C. (2018). Utilization and Economic Contribution of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners in Public Behavioral Health Services. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 56(6), 243-249. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2018.01.045