One of the biggest areas of frustration for students, stakeholders, and nurse practitioners are the seemingly lack of consistency among state regulations regarding NP practice. The rules in one state may not necessarily apply in the next (and even neighboring state). I have known NPs that lived near state borders, licensed in both states, yet had completely different sets of rules regarding what they can/can't do, requirements for collaboration versus autonomy and prescribing ability. Barton Associates created this free interactive tool that lets you visually compare all 50 states' (plus DC) NP scope of practice. It is ultra handy and can help one decide whether to practice in one state that is very prohibitive compared to one that offers autonomy. There is also a push for the APRN Consensus Model whose aim is to have consistency among the states when it comes to regulations. If moving out of the state isn't feasible, well, the alternative is to become involve
This is my blog that will highlight current issues, trends and policies affecting Nurse Practitioners and the health care system today.