Nurses

Psychiatric Nurse Specialists and Nurse Practitioners are Registered Nurses who have earned graduate degrees in a specialized area of clinical practice such as family practice or psychiatry. Nurse Practitioners have completed additional credentialing requirements and have been granted a license to practice as Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner. In Alabama, Nurse Practitioners who have established a "Collaborative Practice Agreement" with a licensed physician have the authority to diagnose illnesses, order diagnostic tests and prescribe medication treatment. The collaborating physician provides clinical oversight and assistance to the nurse practitioner.