Describe the necessary steps required to become a prescriber after you complete your APRN program. After you have completed these steps, you decide to celebrate on a family vacation in a different state. Your sister asks you to refill her levothyroxine because she forgot to pack her medication. What are the legal and ethical implications as a new prescriber to consider in this situation? at least 300 words with references no older than 5 years and intext citations. apa format
Title: Legal and Ethical Considerations for New Prescribers: Refilling Prescriptions for Family Members
Introduction:
Becoming a prescriber after completing an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) program involves a series of necessary steps. These steps ensure that healthcare professionals can responsibly prescribe medications. However, as new prescribers, it is crucial to be aware of the legal and ethical implications that come with this role. This paper will discuss the necessary steps to become a prescriber after completing an APRN program and analyze the legal and ethical considerations one should take into account when faced with a situation where a family member requests a prescription refill.
Becoming a Prescriber:
To become a prescriber following the completion of an APRN program, several key steps must be taken. These steps vary based on the jurisdiction and the type of prescriptive authority sought. Generally, the following steps are involved:
1. Education and Certification: APRNs must complete an accredited graduate-level education program in their chosen specialty. This program includes coursework in pharmacology, pathophysiology, and clinical practice. After completing the program, APRNs must obtain national certification in their specialty through organizations such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB).
2. Licensure: APRNs must apply for state licensure as an APRN. Licensure requirements include submitting an application, providing proof of national certification, and meeting specific criteria set by the licensing board. These criteria may include minimum education hours, clinical practice hours, and continuing education requirements.
3. Collaborative Practice Agreement: In some states, APRNs are required to enter into a collaborative practice agreement (CPA) with a licensed physician. The CPA outlines the parameters of the collaborative relationship, including the authority to prescribe medications. The specifics of CPAs vary by state and are an essential component for prescriptive authority.
4. State Prescriptive Authority: APRNs seeking prescriptive authority must apply for approval from the state regulatory board. The application process typically involves detailed documentation of education, certification, and clinical experience. Once approved, the prescriber is issued a prescriptive authority number, granting them the legal ability to prescribe medications.
Legal and Ethical Implications of Prescribing for Family Members:
As a new prescriber, it is crucial to consider the legal and ethical implications of prescribing medications for family members. In the scenario where a sister requests a prescription refill, several factors come into play:
1. Legal Implications: Prescribing medication to family members can raise legal concerns, as it may violate professional standards and regulations. State laws vary on whether prescribers can prescribe controlled substances to family members. It is essential to consult the state board of nursing and familiarize oneself with the specific laws and regulations regarding prescribing to family members.
2. Professional Boundaries: Prescribing medication to family members blurs professional boundaries. Healthcare professionals should strive to maintain objectivity and avoid conflicts of interest caused by personal relationships. Mixing personal and professional obligations may compromise patient care and the professional reputation of the prescriber.
3. Patient-Centered Care: Ethically, healthcare professionals must prioritize patient-centered care. Prescribing for family members might compromise the objective and unbiased decision-making process that characterizes patient-centered care. The healthcare professional’s primary responsibility should be to provide the best care possible based on the patient’s needs and not influenced by personal relationships.
References:
American Association of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board. (2021). Frequently asked questions. Retrieved from https://www.aanpcert.org/candidates/faqs
American Nurses Credentialing Center. (2021). FAQs: Certification. Retrieved from https://www.nursingworld.org/our-certifications/frequently-asked-questions/