Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) are Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), its role predating the role of the Nurse Practitioner. By adopting the language of this model, the VA Board of Nursing can ensure uniformity in licensure, accreditation, certification, and education to facilitate the regulation of safe and competent APRNs in their delivery of health care to the public. The VA BON can look to the Oregon State Board of Nursing as an example where both NPs and CNSs are recognized and have prescriptive privileges.