TN Definitions: Nurses vs. Physician Assistants

A “physician assistant” is an individual who renders diagnostic or therapeutic services that constitute the practice of medicine and that, but for the provisions of Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 63-6-204 and 63-9-113, could only be performed by a licensed physician. Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-19-102(5). A “certified nurse practitioner” is a registered nurse who is certified by the Board of Nursing pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 63-7-123 and 63-7-207(14), and who has been issued a certificate of fitness by the Board of Nursing. Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0880-6-.01(1). An “advanced practice nurse” is a registered nurse with a master’s degree or higher in a nursing specialty and national specialty certification as a nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife, or clinical nurse specialist. Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-7-126(a).