“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. 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?. Purchase the answer to view it

Professional Roles and Responsibilities of Family Nurse Practitioners in the State of Florida: A Review of Regulations and Proposed Changes

Introduction

Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who play a vital role in providing primary care across the lifespan. In the state of Florida, FNPs are subject to various regulations that govern their scope of practice, prescribing authority, and professional responsibilities. This paper will discuss three key regulations imposed on APRNs in the state of Florida, and propose changes that could enhance the role and autonomy of FNPs. The process and stakeholders involved in implementing these changes will also be explored.

Regulations Imposed on APRNs in the State of Florida

1. Collaborative Practice Agreement (CPA)

One significant regulation in the state of Florida is the requirement for APRNs, including FNPs, to enter into a collaborative practice agreement (CPA) with a physician. The CPA outlines the framework for collaboration between the APRN and a physician, defining the level of supervision, consultation, and collaboration necessary in the provision of patient care. This regulation limits the autonomy of FNPs and may impede their ability to practice to the full extent of their education and training.

2. Restriction on Prescription Authority

Another regulation that affects FNPs in Florida is the restriction on prescription authority. While APRNs have been granted the authority to prescribe certain medications, there are limitations and restrictions on the types of drugs they can prescribe and the conditions for which they can prescribe them. This regulation is often viewed as unnecessary and restrictive, as FNPs have the education, knowledge, and skills to safely prescribe a wide range of medications.

3. State Board of Nursing (BON) Oversight

The State Board of Nursing (BON) plays a crucial role in regulating APRNs in Florida. While regulation and oversight are necessary to ensure patient safety and quality of care, the BON’s involvement in APRN practice can at times be restrictive. The BON has the power to set competency requirements, establish standards of care, and discipline APRNs for any violations. This level of oversight can limit the autonomy of FNPs and prevent them from fully utilizing their skills and expertise.

Proposed Changes to Enhance the Role and Autonomy of FNPs in Florida

1. Removal or Modification of the Collaborative Practice Agreement (CPA)

To enhance the role and autonomy of FNPs in Florida, the requirement for a collaborative practice agreement (CPA) should be reconsidered. Removing or modifying the CPA would give FNPs more independence in their practice, allowing them to provide care to a wider range of patients and expand their scope of practice. This change would require legislative action, involving lawmakers and policy experts to draft and pass a bill that removes or modifies the requirement for a CPA.

2. Expansion of Prescription Authority

To fully utilize their clinical knowledge and expertise, FNPs in Florida should be granted expanded prescription authority. This expansion would allow them to prescribe a broader range of medications and treat a wider variety of conditions. Removing the restrictions on prescription authority would require legislative action, as well as collaboration with key stakeholders such as the Florida Board of Medicine and other healthcare professionals to ensure patient safety and appropriate prescribing practices.

3. Collaborative Efforts with the Board of Nursing (BON)

Collaboration between FNPs and the State Board of Nursing (BON) is crucial to ensure high standards of care and patient safety. FNPs should be actively involved in discussions and decision-making processes that shape regulations and standards in APRN practice. This would involve establishing a more equitable balance of power between FNPs and the BON, allowing FNPs a greater say in determining their own scope of practice and professional responsibilities.

Process and Stakeholders for Implementing Changes

Implementing changes to the regulations affecting FNPs in Florida would require a structured process involving various stakeholders. This could include:

1. Legislative Action: Changes to regulations, such as the removal or modification of the collaborative practice agreement and expansion of prescription authority, would require legislative action. FNPs would need to engage with lawmakers and policy experts to advocate for these changes and contribute to the drafting and passing of bills.

2. Collaboration with State Boards and Professional Organizations: Collaboration with key stakeholders, such as the Florida Board of Medicine, the Florida Board of Nursing, and professional nursing organizations, would be essential. These organizations could help shape and support proposed changes, ensuring that they align with patient safety guidelines and professional standards.

3. Public Education and Awareness: Public education and awareness campaigns would be crucial in garnering support for proposed changes and dispelling misconceptions and biases. Engaging the public through media campaigns, community forums, and awareness events would help highlight the importance and benefits of expanding the role and autonomy of FNPs in Florida.

Conclusion

FNPs play a critical role in providing primary care across the lifespan in the state of Florida. However, the regulations imposed on APRNs limit their autonomy and potential to fully utilize their education and training. By removing or modifying the collaborative practice agreement, expanding prescription authority, and promoting collaborative efforts between FNPs and the Board of Nursing, the role and autonomy of FNPs in Florida could be enhanced. This would require a structured process involving legislative action, collaboration with key stakeholders, and public education and awareness.