“Professional Roles and Responsibilities” 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?.
Introduction:
Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) play a crucial role in providing primary care to patients across the lifespan. As advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), FNPs in the state of Florida are subject to several regulations that govern their professional roles and responsibilities. This paper will discuss three regulations that are imposed on FNPs in Florida and explore whether any changes are necessary. Additionally, the process of enacting regulatory changes will be examined.
Regulation 1: Scope of Practice
One of the key regulations that FNPs in Florida must adhere to is the scope of practice outlined by the state board of nursing. Currently, the scope of practice for FNPs in Florida allows for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of medical conditions in patients of all age groups, including infants and geriatric patients. FNPs are also authorized to prescribe medication within their scope of practice.
While the current scope of practice for FNPs in Florida is adequate in many respects, there is a need to consider expanding their authority in certain areas. For example, allowing FNPs to practice independently, without the need for physician supervision, could improve access to primary care services, especially in underserved areas. This change would require a comprehensive review of evidence-based research demonstrating the capabilities of FNPs to autonomously manage complex medical conditions.
In order to initiate a change to the scope of practice for FNPs in Florida, a multi-step process must be followed. Firstly, a proposal for the change must be drafted, outlining the specifics of the proposed modification. This proposal should be based on a thorough review of existing literature and relevant professional guidelines. Once the proposal is drafted, it must be submitted to the state board of nursing and relevant stakeholders for consideration. The proposal should be accompanied by supporting evidence, such as research studies and expert opinions, demonstrating the potential benefits and safety of expanding the scope of practice for FNPs. Additionally, public input and feedback should be sought through public hearings or online surveys. Finally, the state board of nursing should evaluate the proposal, considering the evidence and stakeholder perspectives, and subsequently make a decision regarding its implementation.
Regulation 2: Nurse Practitioner Supervision
Another important regulation that affects FNPs in Florida is the requirement for physician supervision. Currently, FNPs in Florida are required to have a collaborative agreement with a physician, who must review and co-sign a percentage of their patient charts. This requirement is intended to ensure that FNPs maintain a collaborative relationship with physicians and receive adequate guidance and oversight. However, this level of supervision may be excessive and could limit the autonomy and efficiency of FNPs in delivering primary care services.
To propose a change to the supervision requirement for FNPs in Florida, a comprehensive assessment of the safety and effectiveness of independent practice must be conducted. This should include an analysis of existing research studies, expert opinions, and comparisons with other states that allow for independent practice for FNPs. The proposal should clearly outline the potential benefits and risks associated with reducing or eliminating the supervision requirement. Additionally, public input and feedback should be incorporated into the decision-making process through public forums or surveys. The state board of nursing, in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders, should carefully review the proposal and reach a consensus based on the evidence and public input.