Nurse practitioners (NPs) are at the forefront of healthcare, blending clinical expertise with a deep commitment to patient care. Their scope of practice is rich and diverse, encompassing everything from diagnosing and treating acute and chronic conditions to conducting health assessments and prescribing medications. By embracing a holistic approach, they not only focus on physical health but also emphasize emotional and mental well-being.

Join us as we dive into the fascinating realm of nurse practitioners, highlighting their vital contributions to the healthcare system and how they empower patients to take charge of their health!

Nurse practitioners significantly impact the delivery of healthcare throughout the United States. As of January 2023, over 355,000 licensed nurse practitioners

cared for people of all ages, providing primary care, acute care, emergency and intensive care, and psychiatric mental health environments. Due to rising healthcare needs, the Bureau of Labor and Statistics forecasts a 40% increase in the demand for nurse practitioners and other advanced practice providers between 2023 and 2033.

Between these providers, over 1 billion patient visits are helping meet the needs of patients in their communities. This is substantial as there is a shortage of primary care providers in rural areas, psychiatric mental health providers, and a need for more NPs in leadership roles and research.

Scope of Practice

What is the scope of practice for nurse practitioners? The scope of practice is defined by the “who,” “what,” “where,” “when,” “why,” and “how” of nursing practice. In other words, it defines what nurse practitioners can and cannot do daily.

Nurse practitioners are prepared to practice autonomously after graduation. This includes conducting a comprehensive head-to-toe assessment and asking appropriate clinical questions. NPs then use this information to determine if any diagnostic tests, such as imaging or laboratory. If tests are ordered, the NP must interpret these results and determine the following steps, including developing an individualized treatment plan based on their needs.

State Practice Environment

All nurse practitioner programs and board certification exams prepare NPs to practice independently. However, each state has the authority to determine to what extent the NP can utilize their education, leading to a variation in the scope of practices for the NP based on where they are licensed.

Due to this discrepancy in the scope of practice between the 50 states, the District of Columbia (DC), and US territories, it is essential for each nurse to fully understand the scope of practice in the state in which they carry a license. As of October 2023, 26 states and US territories still have limitations preventing NPs from fully utilizing their education and knowledge.

Each state falls into one of the three categories within the State Environment Map. Below is a description, including the number of states in each category as of October 2023.

Restricted Practice Authority

Restricted practice authority prohibits nurse practitioners from using at least one element of NP practice that their education and board certification trained them for. They must also enter into career-long supervision, delegation, or team management by another health provider, such as a physician, to care for their patients.

There are 11 states and US territories where NPs have restricted practice authority.

Reduced Practice Authority

Reduced practice authority limits nurse practitioners’ ability to use at least one element of NP practice that their education and board certification prepared them for. For the NP to provide care, they must also enter into a career-long regulated collaborative agreement with another provider, such as a physician. The NP may also be limited in setting one or more elements of their practice.

There are 15 states and US territories where NPs have reduced practice authority.

Full Practice Authority

Full practice authority grants nurse practitioners the ability to assess patients, order diagnostic tests, diagnose patients based on assessments and diagnostic tests, and develop individualized treatment plans that involve prescribing medications (including controlled substances) and nonpharmacological interventions. The National Academy of Medicine, formally called the Institute of Medicine, along with the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, recommends this model of NP practice.

Currently, nurse practitioners have full practice authority in 30 states, including the District of Columbia and US territories, marking a significant advancement in healthcare regulation.

Healthcare providers, including nurse practitioners, are continuing to introduce legislation to make each state a full practice authority state.

Nurse practitioners significantly impact the healthcare system, including increased access to healthcare for millions of people throughout the United States. And while NPs are known to provide excellent care, not all states support autonomous practice. Therefore, NPS needs to understand their state’s scope of practice so that NPs can follow all rules and regulations when providing patient care.

The post Exploring the Dynamic Role of Nurse Practitioners: Understanding Their Scope of Practice first appeared on Daily Nurse.