25th annual legislative update: Evidence-based practice reforms improve access to APRN care

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Policy
• Nursing Practice
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) play a crucial role in patient care.
• Legislative actions in 2012 aimed to define or restrict APRN practice authority.
• Medical boards and physician organizations often advocate for limitations on APRN scope of practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the legislative achievements of APRNs during the 2012 session.
• To assess the impact of opposition from medical boards and physician groups on APRN practice authority.
• To determine the extent to which APRNs improved access to care in various states.

Main Methods:

• Review of legislative outcomes across multiple states during the 2012 session.
• Analysis of reported challenges and successes related to APRN scope of practice.
• Examination of data on patient access to APRN services.

Main Results:

• APRNs achieved significant legislative victories in 2012, expanding their practice authority.
• Efforts by medical boards and physician organizations to restrict APRN practice were overcome in several states.
• Successful legislative changes led to improved access to APRN care for patients in numerous states.

Conclusions:

• The 2012 legislative session was a period of substantial progress for APRNs.
• APRNs demonstrated resilience and effectiveness in advocating for expanded practice rights and improved patient access.
• Policy advancements in 2012 underscore the growing importance of APRNs in the healthcare system.