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
Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), including family nurse practitioners (FNPs), play a crucial role in delivering quality healthcare across the lifespan. In the state of Florida, there are several regulations that impose certain responsibilities and restrictions on APRNs. This paper will discuss three regulations in the state of Florida that impact APRNs and explore potential changes that could enhance their practice. Additionally, it will outline the process through which these changes can be pursued.
Regulation 1: Collaborative Practice Agreement
One of the key regulations affecting APRNs in Florida is the requirement for a collaborative practice agreement (CPA) with a physician. This agreement mandates that APRNs must work in collaboration with a physician who has agreed to supervise their practice. While this regulation aims to ensure patient safety and promote interprofessional collaboration, it also restricts the autonomy and independent practice of APRNs.
The collaborative practice agreement can be seen as unnecessary, as APRNs are highly educated and trained professionals capable of providing comprehensive care independently. The need for a physician collaboration agreement is not supported by evidence, as numerous studies have shown that APRNs deliver care of comparable quality to physicians. Removing this requirement would allow APRNs to practice to their full potential and meet the growing healthcare needs of Florida’s population.
Regulation 2: Scope of Practice Restrictions
Another regulation that impacts APRNs in Florida is the restriction on their scope of practice. While APRNs are educated and trained to deliver primary care services, they face limitations in their ability to order certain diagnostic tests, prescribe certain medications, and perform specific procedures. These restrictions hinder APRNs from providing timely and efficient healthcare services, especially in underserved areas where access to physicians may be limited.
Expanding the scope of practice for APRNs would enable them to function to the fullest extent of their education and training. Numerous studies have shown that APRNs can provide safe and effective care, comparable to that provided by physicians. Removing these restrictions would not only improve access to care but also address the primary care workforce shortage in Florida.
Regulation 3: Limited Prescriptive Authority
The third regulation impacting APRNs in Florida is the limited prescriptive authority they possess. Under current regulations, APRNs have restricted prescribing privileges, often requiring them to have a collaborative agreement with a physician or obtain separate prescriptive authority. This limitation on prescriptive authority creates unnecessary barriers for APRNs in providing timely and efficient care to their patients.
Research has demonstrated that APRNs can safely and effectively prescribe medications within their scope of practice. Expanding prescriptive authority for APRNs would enhance patient care outcomes, improve access to medications, and ultimately, reduce healthcare costs. Allowing APRNs to have full prescriptive authority, including prescribing controlled substances, would align with their education, training, and demonstrated competence.
Process for Change
To bring about change in these regulations, a multifaceted approach should be employed. Advocacy plays a crucial role in raising awareness among policymakers and stakeholders about the benefits of removing these regulations. APRNs must actively engage with professional organizations, such as the Florida Nurses Association and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, to advocate for changes in regulation.
Additionally, APRNs should collaborate with legislators and policymakers to educate them about the evidence supporting expanded APRN practice. Presenting data from studies that demonstrate the safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of APRN care can help dispel any misconceptions and increase support for change.
Conclusion
In conclusion, several regulations impose responsibilities and limitations on APRNs in the state of Florida. Collaborative practice agreements, scope of practice restrictions, and limited prescriptive authority hinder the ability of APRNs to provide optimal care to their patients. Removing these regulations would enhance access to care, improve patient outcomes, and address the shortage of primary care providers in Florida. Through advocacy and collaboration with policymakers, APRNs can work towards eliminating these barriers and ensuring that their practice is aligned with their education, training, and competence.