Providers
Chapter 11
Section 3.7
Certified
Psychiatric Nurse Specialist (CPNS)
Issue Date: December 5, 1984
Revision:
2.0 POLICY
2.1 A CPNS
may provide covered care independent of physician referral and supervision.
For purposes of TRICARE, a CPNS is an individual who:
2.1.1 Is a licensed, Registered Nurse
(RN); and
2.1.2 Has at least a master’s degree
in nursing with a specialization in psychiatric and mental health
nursing; and
2.1.3 Has had at least two years
of post-master’s degree practice in the field of psychiatric and
mental health nursing, including an average of eight hours of direct
patient contact per week; or
2.1.4 Is
certified by the American Nurses Association through the American
Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the professional body that meets
the requirement of
32 CFR 199.6(c)(3)(iii)(G)(4) for a CPNS to
be listed in a TRICARE-recognized, professionally sanctioned listing
of clinical specialists in psychiatric mental health nursing. The
following ANCC certifications meet this requirement:
• Adult or Psychiatric and Mental
Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS).
• Child/ Adolescent- Psychiatric
and Mental Health CNS.
• Adult Psychiatric Mental Health
Nurse Practitioner (NP).
• Family Psychiatric Mental Health
NP.
• Psychiatric and Mental Health
NP.
2.2 Notwithstanding
the specific certifications outlined in
paragraph 2.1.4, all such
providers shall all be referred to as CPNS for purposes of TRICARE
coverage and reimbursement.
2.3 Claims
for mental health services provided by a CPNS are subject to the
limitations on psychiatric procedures.
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