Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) are graduate-educated, nationally-certified and state licensed advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who care for medically stable patients across the lifespan, from infants to geriatric patients. Share your thoughts Discuss at least 3 regulations impose in APRN in the state of Florida and would you like to change and what process will you use to do it?. Follow APA guideline Less than 15% similarity
Introduction
Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who provide comprehensive and coordinated care to patients across the lifespan. In the state of Florida, there are several regulations imposed on APRNs, including FNPs. This paper will discuss three specific regulations that affect APRNs in Florida and explore the potential need for change in these regulations. Additionally, the process for making changes to these regulations will be examined.
Regulations Imposed on APRNs in Florida
1. Collaborative Practice Agreement (CPA)
One regulation that affects APRNs in Florida is the requirement for a collaborative practice agreement (CPA) with a supervising physician. According to Florida law, an APRN must have a written CPA with a physician that outlines the parameters of their practice, including prescribing authority. The agreement must also detail how the APRN and physician will consult and collaborate in the provision of patient care.
The requirement for a CPA can create barriers for APRNs, particularly in underserved areas where access to physicians may be limited. In these areas, it may be difficult for APRNs to find a physician to enter into a collaborative agreement with. This can hinder the ability of APRNs to practice to the full extent of their education and training, limiting their ability to provide primary care services to patients.
2. Physician Supervision
Another regulation that affects APRNs in Florida is the requirement for physician supervision. APRNs, including FNPs, are required to practice under the supervision of a physician. This means that a physician must oversee and take responsibility for the care provided by the APRN, including any medications prescribed.
The requirement for physician supervision can restrict the autonomy of APRNs, limiting their ability to provide timely and efficient patient care. It can also create challenges in terms of scheduling and collaboration, as APRNs must coordinate with their supervising physician for consultation and approval of patient care decisions. This can, in turn, result in delays in patient care and increased healthcare costs.
3. Prescription Authority
A third regulation that affects APRNs in Florida is the restriction on prescription authority. While APRNs in Florida have limited prescriptive authority, there are still restrictions on the types of drugs they can prescribe and the quantities they can prescribe. For example, some controlled substances may only be prescribed by a physician, even if an APRN is qualified and capable of providing appropriate care and treatment.
These restrictions on prescription authority can limit the ability of APRNs to provide comprehensive and timely care to their patients. It can create delays in accessing medications and may require additional appointments or referrals to a physician for certain medications. This can increase healthcare costs and create unnecessary burdens for patients seeking care from APRNs.
The Need for Change
The regulations discussed above highlight some of the challenges and limitations faced by APRNs, including FNPs, in the state of Florida. These regulations restrict the autonomy, access to care, and ability to provide comprehensive care that APRNs are trained and qualified to deliver. To address these limitations, changes to the regulations may be necessary.
Process for Making Changes to Regulations
Making changes to regulations in Florida involves a multi-step process that includes legislative action and collaboration with stakeholders. Firstly, awareness and support for the proposed changes must be garnered among the nursing community, professional organizations, and APRNs themselves. This can be achieved through education and advocacy efforts to highlight the benefits of expanded practice authority for APRNs.
Next, legislative proposals must be developed and presented to lawmakers. This can involve working with legislators to draft and sponsor bills that aim to revise or remove the regulations that hinder APRN practice. These proposals should be evidence-based, highlighting the positive impact of expanded APRN practice on access to care, healthcare outcomes, and cost-efficiency.
Once introduced into the legislature, the proposed changes must go through the legislative process, including committee hearings and votes. It is crucial to engage with lawmakers, providing them with relevant research, expert testimony, and real-life examples of how the current regulations limit APRN practice and negatively impact patient care.
Furthermore, collaboration with other healthcare providers, including physicians and organizations representing multiple healthcare professions, is important. Building coalitions and consensus among stakeholders can help ensure that proposed changes receive the necessary support to move forward in the legislative process.
Conclusion
The regulations imposed on APRNs in Florida, including FNPs, can create barriers to practice, limit autonomy, and hinder the ability to provide comprehensive care to patients. Changes to these regulations may be necessary to improve access to care, healthcare outcomes, and cost-efficiency. The process for making changes involves education, advocacy, legislative action, and collaboration with stakeholders. By working together, APRNs and their supporters can drive positive change in APRN regulations in the state of Florida.