Behavioral Health Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (Psychiatric APRN)
Description PRIMARY PURPOSE: The Behavioral Health Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (Psychiatric APRN) provides psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and ongoing treatment planning to patients receiving behavioral health services at FoundCare. The Psychiatric APRN practices in accordance with state and federal regulations, HRSA, CMS, grant compliance requirements and FoundCare Behavioral Health protocols.
The Psychiatric APRN functions as a key member of the interdisciplinary Behavioral Health team, collaborating closely with Behavioral Health Practitioners, Psychiatric Providers, Primary Care Providers (PCPs), Care Coordinators, and other clinical staff to ensure safe, high-quality, integrated, and patient-centered care. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Clinical Care & Psychiatric Services Build rapport with patients, using courteous and culturally sensitive approach to obtain complete and accurate information to assess and diagnose a diverse group of patients with mental health disorder(s).
Conduct comprehensive psychiatric evaluations following completion of a Behavioral Health evaluation and signed treatment plan when required by protocol. Diagnose psychiatric conditions in accordance with DSM-5 criteria. Provide medication management services, including initiation, adjustment, continuation, and discontinuation of psychotropic medications. Deliver psychiatric services to adult and/or pediatric populations as credentialed and clinically appropriate.
Educate patients on medication purpose, benefits, risks, side effects, and alternatives, including non-pharmacologic treatment options such as psychotherapy. Treatment Planning & Documentation Develop, review, and update individualized psychiatric treatment plans that demonstrate ongoing medical necessity. Ensure treatment plans are reviewed at least every 90 days and sooner when clinically indicated, consistent with FoundCare’s Behavioral Health Protocols.
Utilize psychiatric progress notes to document treatment plan reviews when clinically appropriate and compliant with documentation standards. Complete all clinical documentation accurately, timely, and thoroughly in EPIC, including assessments, progress notes, medication management, labs, and care coordination. Avoid inappropriate duplication or “cut-and-paste” documentation and ensure clinical narratives reflect active medical decision-making.
Quality Measures & Compliance Ensure completion and review of required screening tools and quality measures at psychiatric visits, including but not limited to PHQ-9/PHQ-A, GAD-7, BMI, height, and weight, in coordination with clinical support staff. Order and monitor laboratory testing in accordance with FoundCare protocols: -Quarterly labs for patients prescribed controlled substances. -Biannual labs for patients prescribed non-controlled psychiatric medications.
Verify controlled substance prescribing activity through Florida PDMP (E-FORCSE) prior to prescribing and as required thereafter. Educate patients on the risks and benefits of controlled substances and document informed discussions. Complete all internal trainings assigned within the timeframe. Care Coordination & Integrated Care Collaborate with Behavioral Health Practitioners to encourage psychotherapy and supportive services for patients receiving psychotropic medications.
Coordinate care with Primary Care Providers, specialty providers, Care Coordinators, pharmacies, and external partners as clinically indicated. Encourage use of FoundCare or contracted pharmacies to support continuity of care and medication access. Participate in monthly staff meetings and other mandatory staff meetings to remain up-to-date with changes within the organization. Crisis & Safety Responsibilities Respond appropriately to behavioral health crises, including suicidal or homicidal ideation, in accordance with FoundCare crisis protocols.
Participate in clinical decision-making and documentation related to safety planning and emergency inter