The New Regulation Model for Advanced Practice Nurses Essay
Introduction
At present, local laws regarding advanced practice nurses (APNs) vary widely between different states and countries. As a consequence, specialists with the same degrees of knowledge, experience, and competence would receive different treatment depending on the state, including restrictions on the scope of their activities. The introduction of a standardized nationwide regulation model for APNs would be a significant contribution to the solution of this issue.
Current Issues
Currently, APNs are not held to a single standard across the United States. According to Hamric, Hanson, Tracy, and O’Grady (2014), there are many names and different certifications for the role, and this confuses the policymakers, leading to varying perceptions of APNs and resulting in laws that grant or deny them necessary privileges. Furthermore, the authors state that when an APNs practices in the hospital, they sometimes cannot get essential privileges since most of the criteria are written exclusively for medical practitioners.The New Regulation Model for Advanced Practice Nurses Essay
Another issue that Hamric et al. (2014) highlight is the lack of recognition for APNs. A physician is assumed to be competent immediately upon assuming the position, but an APN has to prove their ability and knowledge, although their certification is no less credible. Furthermore, newer APNs usually have to abide by more restricting collaborative agreements, as they are not trusted to carry out evidence-based practice competently.The New Regulation Model for Advanced Practice Nurses Essay
APN Regulations in Florida
APN activity is significantly restricted in Florida, as the practitioners do not have free access to vital authorities. According to the Florida Senate (2018), they cannot practice independently and require the supervision of a physician to be able to work and prescribe substances. Furthermore, APNs are restricted in their ability to perform their work by their supervisors, and their ability to prescribe controlled substances is limited by a committee that determines the quantity and purpose of controlled substance use.
Florida’s approach to APNs can be considered to be among the most restrictive in the United States. The limits placed on APN activity in the state prevent them from adequately following the principles described by Hamric et al. (2014). An introduction of a unified model would benefit the profession greatly, as such a model would most likely incorporate the ability to practice and prescribe independently, allowing APNs to carry out their practice to its fullest extent.The New Regulation Model for Advanced Practice Nurses Essay
The Consensus Model for APRN Regulation
The NSCBN has proposed a consensus model for APRN regulation and aimed to convince all states to implement it. The document submitted by the APRN Joint Dialogue Group (2008) defines “advanced practice registered nurse,” sets education and certification requirements, and describes the privileges and recognition an APN would receive after being licensed. The ideas proposed are significantly more lax than those defined by the Florida Senate (2018).
