Addressing Barriers to APRN Practice: Policy and Regulatory Implications During COVID-19

Area of Science:

• Healthcare policy
• Nursing practice
• Public health

Background:

• Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) are vital healthcare providers.
• Barriers impede APRNs from delivering authorized services based on their qualifications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To overview barriers impacting APRN practice.
• To examine policy and regulatory implications of these barriers, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing research on APRN practice barriers.
• Analysis of policy and regulatory landscapes affecting APRN scope of practice.

Main Results:

• Identified key barriers include scope of practice limitations, regulatory hurdles, and reimbursement issues.
• The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing challenges and highlighted the need for flexible APRN utilization.

Conclusions:

• Policy and regulatory reforms are necessary to reduce barriers and optimize APRN contributions to healthcare.
• Removing practice barriers can enhance access to preventive and essential healthcare services.