Qualifications for Clinical Nurse Specialist

The professional services of a CNS may be covered under Medicare Part B if he or she meets the qualifications listed below and is legally authorized to furnish services in the state where the services are performed:

• Be a registered nurse who is currently licensed to practice in the state where he or she practices and be authorized to furnish the services of a clinical nurse specialist in accordance with state law;
  
  
• Have a master’s degree or doctoral degree in a defined clinical area of nursing from an accredited educational institution; and
  
  
• Be certified as a clinical nurse specialist by a national certifying body that has established standards for clinical nurse specialists and that is approved by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.