§ 32 §2102 — Definitions

As used in this chapter, unless the context indicates otherwise, the following words have the following meanings.
1.
Board.
"Board" means the State Board of Nursing.
2.
Professional nursing.
The practice of "professional nursing" means the performance by a registered professional nurse for compensation of professional services defined as follows:
2-A.
Advanced practice registered nursing.
"Advanced practice registered nursing" means the delivery of expanded professional health care by an advanced practice registered nurse that is:
3.
Practical nursing.
The practice of "practical nursing" means performing tasks and responsibilities, by a licensed practical nurse, for compensation within a structured health care setting, reinforcing the patient and family teaching program through health teaching, health counseling and provision of supportive and restorative care, under the direction of a registered nurse or licensed or otherwise legally authorized physician, podiatrist or dentist.
4.
License.
A "license" is an authorization to practice nursing as a professional nurse, practical nurse or advanced practice registered nurse.
5.
Professional nurse.
The terms "professional nurse," "registered nurse" or "registered professional nurse" mean an individual who is currently licensed under this chapter and who practices professional nursing as defined in subsection 2. "R.N." is the abbreviation for the title of "registered professional nurse."
5-A.
Advanced practice registered nurse.
"Advanced practice registered nurse" means an individual who is currently licensed under this chapter to practice advanced practice registered nursing as defined in subsection 2‑A. "A.P.R.N." is the abbreviation for the title of "advanced practice registered nurse." An advanced practice registered nurse may use the abbreviation "A.P.R.N." or the title or abbreviation designated by the national certifying body.
6.
Licensed practical nurse.
The term "licensed practical nurse" means an individual who is currently licensed under this chapter and who practices practical nursing as defined in subsection 3. "L.P.N." is the abbreviation for the title of "licensed practical nurse."
7.
Approved nursing school.
An " approved nursing school" or " approved nursing education program" means a school of nursing or a nursing department or division of a university or college or a school for the education of practical nurses approved by the board as provided in this chapter.
8.
Certified nursing assistant.
"Certified nursing assistant" means an individual whose duties are assigned by a registered professional nurse and who:
9.
Maine Registry of Certified Nursing Assistants and Direct Care Workers.
"Maine Registry of Certified Nursing Assistants and Direct Care Workers" has the same meaning as in Title 22, section 1812‑G.
10.
Supervising nurse practitioner.
"Supervising nurse practitioner" means a certified nurse practitioner who qualifies as an advanced practice registered nurse who has:
11.
Unlicensed assistive personnel.
"Unlicensed assistive personnel" means individuals trained to function in a supportive role, regardless of job title, to whom a specific nursing activity or task may be delegated. "Unlicensed assistive personnel" does not include certified nursing assistants or individuals employed in practical nursing or unpaid individuals performing tasks at the direction of a patient.

Legislative History

PL 1967, c. 263, §2 (AMD). PL 1973, c. 495, §§1,2 (AMD). PL 1973, c. 737, §1 (AMD). PL 1973, c. 788, §155 (AMD). PL 1977, c. 395, §§1, 2 (AMD). PL 1977, c. 497, §10 (AMD). PL 1977, c. 696, §244 (AMD). PL 1985, c. 724, §§2-4 (AMD). PL 1985, c. 748, §42 (AMD). PL 1985, c. 819, §§A27, 28 (AMD). PL 1987, c. 195, §3 (AMD). PL 1991, c. 421, §§2, 3 (AMD). PL 1991, c. 731, §§1, 2 (AMD). PL 1993, c. 600, §§A109-112 (AMD). PL 1995, c. 379, §§3-5 (AMD). PL 1995, c. 379, §11 (AFF). PL 1995, c. 625, §B11 (AMD). PL 1995, c. 670, §§C4-6 (AMD). PL 1995, c. 670, §D5 (AFF). RR 2001, c. 2, §A42 (COR). PL 2003, c. 204, §H1 (AMD). PL 2003, c. 510, §B10 (AMD). PL 2003, c. 689, §B6 (REV). PL 2007, c. 316, §§1, 2 (AMD). PL 2007, c. 498, §§1, 2 (AMD). PL 2007, c. 498, §3 (AFF). PL 2011, c. 257, §§19-21 (AMD). PL 2013, c. 540, §1 (AMD). PL 2013, c. 540, §2 (AFF). PL 2023, c. 592, §§1, 2 (AMD).