As a Family Nurse practitioner, Explain what Standardized Procedures are, what their function is, and how they are utilized by Nurse Practitioners in California. Discuss how this practice is different if you live in a state other than California. ( Live in state of Florida) minimum of 300 words, APA 7th edition, and scholarly references within the last 5 years only.0 % turnitin if possible

Standardized procedures are a critical component of the practice of nurse practitioners (NPs) in California. They are defined as written guidelines developed in collaboration with a supervising physician that allow NPs to perform certain activities, such as diagnosing and treating medical conditions, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and prescribing medications, without the need for direct on-site supervision. Standardized procedures serve as a means to ensure safe and effective patient care while expanding the scope of practice for NPs.

The primary purpose of standardized procedures is to promote consistency and continuity of care. They outline the specific activities that NPs are authorized to perform in their practice and establish protocols for decision-making and the management of patient care. By following standardized procedures, NPs can provide clinical services that are evidence-based, proficient, and consistent with the expectations of the medical community.

In California, the utilization of standardized procedures by NPs is regulated by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). The BRN approves standardized procedures that are developed in collaboration with a supervising physician and tailored to the individual NP’s scope of practice. These procedures must be on file with the NP’s employer and are subject to periodic review by the BRN. NPs must also be knowledgeable about the specific standardized procedures applicable to their practice and be capable of adhering to them.

Standardized procedures in California are designed to grant NPs greater autonomy and authority in patient care decision-making. They enable NPs to assess, diagnose, treat, and prescribe medications independently within their agreed-upon scope of practice. This autonomy is crucial, particularly in areas where access to primary care physicians may be limited.

However, it is important to note that NPs in California still collaborate and consult with physicians as necessary. Standardized procedures specify the circumstances under which NPs must seek consultation or refer patients to a physician. This collaboration ensures that NPs are practicing within the boundaries of their education, training, and experience, promoting patient safety and quality care.

In contrast, the utilization of standardized procedures for NPs in Florida differs from that in California. The state of Florida employs a different system known as supervisory agreements or protocols. In this model, NPs enter into a formal arrangement with a supervising physician, which outlines the scope of practice and activities the NP is authorized to perform. These agreements must be registered with the Florida Board of Nursing and are required to be reviewed and updated every two years.

Unlike California’s standardized procedures, supervisory agreements in Florida do not grant NPs the same level of autonomy. NPs are typically required to maintain a collaborative relationship with their supervising physician. The supervising physician must be available for consultation, either through direct contact or telecommunication, during the NP’s practice. Additionally, the supervising physician must be available to meet with the NP at least once every 6 months to review patient records and outcomes.

The discrepancies in the utilization of standardized procedures between California and Florida can be attributed to varying state regulations and the political landscape surrounding the scope of practice for NPs. The level of autonomy allowed to NPs is influenced by factors such as state legislation, professional associations, and the perceived need for physician oversight.

In conclusion, standardized procedures are an essential aspect of NP practice in California. They define the activities NPs can perform independently and ensure consistency in patient care. However, if you live in a state like Florida, the utilization of standardized procedures is replaced by supervisory agreements, which require a collaborative relationship with a supervising physician. The differences in these regulations highlight the variations in NP practice autonomy across different states, influenced by state-specific policies and the advocacy efforts of professional organizations.