Gaining independent prescriptive practice: one state's experience in adoption of the APRN Consensus Model

Area of Science:

• Health Policy
• Nursing Practice
• Public Health Advocacy

Background:

• Nurses are increasingly expected to engage in health policy development.
• Nurse practitioners (NPs) face varying regulatory environments impacting their scope of practice.
• Independent prescriptive authority is a key area of policy interest for NPs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an exemplar of how nurse practitioners in North Dakota achieved independent prescriptive privileges.
• To detail the strategic policy actions and communication strategies employed.
• To offer lessons learned for other nurses seeking policy change.

Main Methods:

• Case study analysis of policy actions in North Dakota.
• Qualitative review of communication strategies with stakeholders and legislators.
• Dissemination of experiences through presentations and webinars.

Main Results:

• North Dakota NPs successfully obtained independent prescriptive privileges.
• Consistent communication with NPs, legislators, and stakeholders was crucial.
• The initiative's leaders shared their strategies nationally, influencing other states.

Conclusions:

• Strategic policy action and clear communication are effective for achieving practice advancements for nurses.
• This case study serves as a model for NPs and other nurses pursuing regulatory and scope of practice changes.
• Policy and regulatory environments significantly shape the future of nursing.