CNSC cheat sheet
CNSC · Keep the key ideas within reach.
Professional Practice
Scope of practice is defined by state licensure law plus employer policy; certification (e.g., CNSC) demonstrates specialty competence but does not expand legal scope.
Ethical principles: autonomy (patient choice), beneficence (do good), nonmaleficence (avoid harm), justice (fair allocation), veracity (truthfulness).
Informed consent requires capacity, disclosure of risks/benefits/alternatives, comprehension, and voluntariness; it can be withdrawn at any time.
Confidentiality is governed by HIPAA; minimum necessary disclosure and de-identification (removal of 18 identifiers) apply to research and case presentations.
Evidence hierarchy: systematic reviews/meta-analyses of RCTs > individual RCTs > cohort > case-control > case series > expert opinion.
Conflict of interest must be disclosed; industry funding or gifts can bias recommendations and should not influence formulary or product selection.
Competence maintenance: continuing education units, recertification cycles, and self-assessment of gaps; outdated practice patterns are a professional risk.
Interprofessional collaboration: clarify roles, use closed-loop communication, and document recommendations so ordering providers can act on them.