Final answer:
Certification as a clinical nurse leader recognizes achievement of advanced skills and knowledge in the field of nursing, signifying a higher level of practice.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question inquires whether certification as a clinical nurse leader is granted by the state board of nursing, denotes a minimum level of knowledge and skills, allows independent nursing practice, or recognizes the achievement of advanced skills and knowledge. The correct response to this question is that certification as a clinical nurse leader recognizes the achievement of advanced skills and knowledge. This certification goes beyond the minimum level of competency to include a higher level of practice that contributes significantly to the healthcare team, particularly in areas like quality improvement and patient safety.