Past guidance from the KBN has viewed the age range for the pediatric nurse practitioner as up to 21-22 year of age, that time being when many young adult graduates from college. However, in the case of children who are developmentally delayed and have special health care needs where transfer of care may be difficult or in the case where an abrupt change could potentially cause harm, then the PNP could continue caring for the individual until such a time as a transition could be made that ensures continuity of care. As always, the PNP should carefully document when treatment extends beyond the upper limits of the accepted age range.
Practicing beyond the specified age range would be outside the scope of practice of the PNP. This would require the APRN to obtain a secondary certification in another population focus such as family practice or adult/gerontology to practice beyond the age range and your email has indicated that you intend to obtain this secondary certification.