APNA Position Papers
The American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) develops position papers (white papers) in response to psychiatric-mental health nursing needs that are identified by APNA members in conjunction with the APNA Board of Directors. Position papers advance the profession of psychiatric-mental health nursing by discussing topics of vital interest to the profession and advocating for solutions or potential paths to address concerns. They are concise, address both mainstream and minority opinions, and are based on the best available evidence. Members with subject matter expertise are appointed by the board to draft the position papers, which are then reviewed and approved by the board and made available for member comment. After incorporating any member feedback, final position papers are approved by the board and published on the APNA website. Papers are reviewed after three years by the APNA Board of Directors to ensure that they are current and relevant, and papers are updated or sunset as needed. Position Paper Process & Guidelines
Whole Health Begins with Mental Health
Approved March 2017; Revised April 2020; Revised February 2023
Adoption of Screening, Brief Intervention, & Referral to Treatment (SBIRT)
Approved September 2012; Revised June 2020
SBIRT Pocket Card for Nurses
APRNs Prescribing Buprenorphine and other Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)
Approved July 2013; Revised June 2020, Revised February 2024
APNA MSUD Training
Care of Detainees & Prisoners
Approved March 2016; Reviewed February 2020; Reviewed June 2022
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Approved June 2024
The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity
Approved November 2021; Reviewed February 2024; Reviewed February 2025
Global Strategic Priorities for Nursing
Approved April 2023
Integrated Care
Approved January 2023
Ketamine Infusion Therapy for Psychiatric Disorders
Approved June 2019; Revised June 2023
Ketamine Treatment Considerations Checklist
Licensure, Accreditation, Certification & Education Recommendations
Approved February 2011; Reviewed February 2020; Reviewed February 2022; Updated February 2023
LACE Information & Resources
Nurse Assessment & Management of Suicide Risk
Approved February 2015; Revised December 2020; Revised and approved May 2022, Update in Progress
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Essential Competencies for Assessment & Management of Individuals at Risk for Suicide
Psychiatric-Mental Health Advanced Practice Nurses
Approved October 2010; Reviewed February 2020; Revised June 2022; Update in Progress
About PMH-APRNs
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses’ Role in Primary Care
Approved February 2013; Revised July 2020; Revised June 2022, February 2025
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing’s Role in Tobacco Treatment
Approved October 2008; Revised July 2020; Revised February 2023
Nursing Competencies for Treating Tobacco Use Disorders
Psychotherapy and the Scope of the Psychiatric-Mental Health Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Role
Approved December 2021; Revised October 2024
Scope & Standards of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing
Approved June 2014; Reviewed February 2020; Updated February 2023
Scope & Standards Publication
Staffing Inpatient Psychiatric Units
Approved by the APNA Board of Directors: September 13, 2011
Updated February 2023
State of the World’s Nursing
Approved April 2020; Reviewed February 2024
The Use of Seclusion & Restraint
Approved 2000; Revised May 2007; Revised April 2014; Revised March 2018; Revised February 2022
APNA Standards of Practice: Seclusion & Restraint
Violence Prevention
Approved March 2017; Revised November 2020, April 2022; Update in Progress
Violence Prevention Resources
Youth Suicide Prevention
Approved October 2024
