CNS Advanced Practice

Maine Clinical Nurse Specialist License Requirements

Complete guide to becoming a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Maine

Processing Time

4-8 weeks

Initial Cost

$100

Renewal Period

2 years

Practice Authority

full

Full Practice Authority

Maine recognizes the CNS as an APRN with autonomous practice (Board Rule Ch. 8, Sec. 5; no physician supervision/collaboration required), but Ch. 8 Sec. 6-7 grant prescriptive/dispensing authority only to CNPs, CRNAs, and CNMs - the CNS has no prescriptive authority.

Prescriptive Authority: Maine Board of Nursing Chapter 8 grants prescriptive and dispensing authority only to certified nurse practitioners, certified registered nurse anesthetists, and certified nurse-midwives (Sec. 6-7). The certified clinical nurse specialist (Sec. 5) is not granted prescriptive authority.

1 Education Requirements

Degree Required

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Program Requirements

Complete accredited Clinical Nurse Specialist program
Hold active RN license in the state
Clinical hours as specified by program

2 National Certification

Certification Body

ANCC or AACN

Required

Yes

American Nurses Credentialing Center or American Association of Critical-Care Nurses

3 Fees

Initial Licensure

Application Fee	$100
Total	$100

Renewal

Renewal Fee (every 2 years)

$100

Continuing Education Requirements

Contact hours required

2 years

Renewal cycle

Pharmacology: 15 hours required

Prerequisites

To become a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Maine, you must first hold an active RN license. Maine is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), so you may hold a multistate RN license.

RN Requirements View Maine RN Requirements