The Veterans Health Administration's proposal for APRN full-practice authority

Area of Science:

• Healthcare policy
• Nursing practice
• Health services research

Background:

• The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is considering full-practice authority for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs).
• This policy change aims to improve healthcare access, care delivery, patient choice, and cost-effectiveness within the VHA.
• Understanding the current APRN workforce and practice is crucial for evaluating this proposal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the perspectives of VHA administrators and APRNs regarding the characterization of the APRN workforce.
• To understand the current practice patterns and roles of APRNs within the VHA system.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods research approach was employed.
• Data were collected from VHA administrators and APRNs.
• Qualitative and quantitative data were analyzed to capture diverse viewpoints.

Main Results:

• Findings characterize the current APRN workforce in the VHA.
• Insights into existing APRN practice patterns were obtained.
• Administrator and APRN perspectives on full-practice authority were documented.

Conclusions:

• The study provides essential data on the VHA APRN workforce and practice.
• Results inform the VHA's decision-making process regarding full-practice authority.
• Understanding workforce perspectives is key to successful policy implementation.