This document presents the findings of the National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice regarding the role, education, and supply of clinical nurse specialists (CNSs). The first section of the report examines the following eight background issues: (1) early development of the CNS; (2) current CNS supply; (3) roles and impact of the CNS; (4) Section 821 of Title VII; (5) funding under Section 821; (6) curriculum; (7) production of CNSs; and (8) credentialing. The remainder of the report explores the following four proposed goals: (1) to provide adequate health care services; (2) to maximize the effect of federal funding for CNS programs; (3) clarify the role of the CNS in the changing health care system; and (4) to assure the CNS within the health care delivery system. Appended are the following papers offering different perspectives on CNS master's degree preparation and practice: (1) "Nursing Academic Administrator's View: Traditional and Blended Preparation" (Carole A. Anderson); (2) "ANE [Advanced Nurse Education] Project Director's View: Acute Care NP [Nurse Practitioner] Training Program" (Karren Kowalski); (3) "ANE Project Director's View: Advanced Practice Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing Option" (Jane H. White); (4) "Behavioral Managed Care Administrator's View: Traditional CNS Employment in he Private Health Care Sector" (Shirley M. Repta); (5) "Academic Health Center Nursing Administrator's View: Traditional CNS and CNS/NP Employment" (Maryann F. Fralic); (6) "Practicing CNS--Traditional Role View" (Angella Olden); and (7)"Practicing CNX/NP--Blended Role View" (Janet Ruth Walczak). (Contains 63 references.) (MN)