A professional who provides general medical care and treatment to patients in medical facility, such as clinic, health center, or public health agency, under direction of physician. Responsibilities include:

• Performs physical examinations and preventive health measures within prescribed guidelines and instructions of physician.
• Orders, interprets, and evaluates diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient's clinical problems and health care needs.
• Records physical findings, and formulates plan and prognosis, based on patient's condition.
• Discusses case with physician and other health professionals to prepare comprehensive patient care plan.
• Submits health care plan and goals of individual patients for periodic review and evaluation by physician.
• Prescribes or recommends drugs or other forms of treatment such as physical therapy, inhalation therapy, or related therapeutic procedures.
• May refer patients to physician for consultation or to specialized health resources for treatment.
• May be designated according to field of specialization as Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.
• Where state law permits, may engage in independent practice.