In Massachusetts, the designation of Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) is given to currently licensed Massachusetts registered nurses who have current authorization by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing to engage in advanced practice nursing activities. APRN practice activities include, but are not limited to: advanced assessment, diagnosis, treatment, referrals, consultations and other modalities for individuals, groups or communities across the lifespan for health promotion or health maintenance and for those who are experiencing acute or chronic disease, illness, trauma or other life altering events in which rehabilitative, and/or palliative interventions are necessary. APRN practice is defined to include only those activities within the APRNs authorized clinical category, scope of practice competencies, and accepted standards of advanced practice nursing.
APRNs practice in the inpatient and ambulatory settings at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, in offsite practices and in neighborhood health centers. This designation includes certified nurse practitioners (CNP), certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA), psychiatric clinical nurse specialists (PCNS), clinical nurse specialists (CNS) and certified nurse midwives (CNM).