Assessment for Psychiatric-Mental Health
Nurse Practitioner 2026/2027 | Chamberlain
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The Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for Psychiatric and
Mental Health Nursing
specify the minimum levels of acceptable performance which can legally be used to describe the
standard of care that psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) must
demonstrate
-Each standard for the psychiatric mental health registered nurse (PMH-RN) also applies to the
PMHNP role
17 standards of professional performance
Guide PMHNP practice:
Standard 1: Assessment
Standard 2: Diagnosis
Standard 3: Outcomes Identification
Standard 4: Planning
Standard 5: Implementation
Standard 6: Evaluation
Standard 7: Ethics
Standard 8: Cultural Humanity
Standard 9: Communication
Standard 10: Professional Collaboration
Standard 11: Leadership
Standard 12: Education
, Standard 13: Evidence-Based Practice and Research
Standard 14: Quality of Practice
Standard 15: Professional Practice Evaluation
Standard 16: Resource Utilization
Standard 17: Environmental Health
PMHNP standards of Practice: Assessment
Standard 1: Assessment
The PMHNP must be able to perform a comprehensive, person-centered psychiatric and mental
health diagnostic evaluation, using relevant diagnostic tests and procedures. Evidence-based
clinical practice guidelines inform screening and diagnostic activities when appropriate.
Assessment may include a multigenerational family assessment as well as the assessment of
interactions between the individual, family, community, and social systems as they relate to
mental health.
PMHNP standards of Practice: Diagnosis
Standard 2: Diagnosis
The PMHNP must be able to use data obtained during the interview, examination, and
diagnostic procedures to develop standard psychiatric and substance use diagnoses. The
PMHNP evaluates the effects of psychiatric disorders on recovery, quality of life, and functional
status and may examine the impact of stressors, trauma, and situational crisis in the context of
the family cycle. The PMHNP may assist other staff in developing competence in the diagnostic
process.
PMHNP standards of Practice: Outcomes Identification
Standard 3: Outcomes Identification
The PMHNP assists the PMH-RN to identify expected outcomes based on scientific evidence.
Outcomes identification includes consideration of costs, clinical effectiveness, satisfaction,
consistency, and continuity among providers. The PMHNP develops and applies clinical
guidelines associated with positive clinical outcomes.