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Implementing Full Practice Authority for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses: A Case for Mitigating Critical Mental
Johnny R Tice1, Whitnee C Brown2, Madeleine Boyle3
1Johnny R. Tice, DNP, MA, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, Samford University, Birmingham, AL, USA.
Full practice authority for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) is crucial for addressing health disparities and improving patient outcomes. Expanding FPA can enhance care access, especially in underserved areas, and foster collaborative healthcare environments.
Area of Science:
- Health Policy
- Nursing Practice
- Health Disparities
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing health disparities in the U.S.
- Access, affordability, and cultural appropriateness of care remain significant challenges.
- Provider shortages disproportionately affect rural and socioeconomically deprived communities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To advocate for the widespread adoption of full practice authority (FPA) for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs).
- To highlight the positive impact of APRN-managed care on patient outcomes.
- To emphasize the role of FPA in mitigating health disparities and improving healthcare access.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of current state legislation regarding APRN practice authority.
- Review of evidence demonstrating comparable or superior patient outcomes under APRN care.
- Examination of the impact of provider shortages on healthcare access.
Main Results:
- Only 28 states have adopted full practice authority for APRNs.
- Some states have partial FPA, with restrictions for specialty APRNs (e.g., mental health).
- Evidence supports that APRN-managed patients achieve better or comparable outcomes to physician-managed patients.
Conclusions:
- Achieving FPA for all APRNs is essential for equitable healthcare.
- FPA promotes collaborative interdisciplinary care, improving patient outcomes and job satisfaction.
- Advocacy is needed to remove practice restrictions and ensure universal FPA for APRNs.
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