Certified Registered Nurse Practitioners (CRNPs) are registered nurses who are licensed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and who are certified by the Boards of Nursing and Medicine in a clinical specialty area.  Individuals who graduate from nurse practitioner programs that are approved by the Pennsylvania State Boards of Nursing and Medicine, are eligible for certification as Certified Registered Nurse Practitioners (CRNPs).  Only registered nurses are allowed to apply for certification.

CRNPs function in an expanded role under the 1977 Rules and Regulations for CRNPs.  (Appendix D:  Title 49, Professional and Vocational Standards).  These rules and regulations stipulate: 

1. Immediate availability of a licensed physician through direct or voice communication
2. A predetermined plan for emergency services
3. That a physician be regularly available for activities such as referrals, chart review standards, and "establishing and updating standing orders, drug and other medical protocols, periodic medical diagnosis and therapeutics."

Regulations for CRNP's prescription privileges are described in the jointly promulgated and approved regulations for NPs by the PA Board of Medicine and the PA Board of Nursing--included in Title 49 of Professional and Vocational Standards.