Credentialing in advanced practice nursing

Managed care, case management, and outcomes criteria have moved the practice of health care from the tertiary level to the outpatient settings. Advanced practice nurses (APNs) have adapted to these changes by modifying their practices to reflect general practice. With the increasing number of APNs, a credentialing process should be adopted at the state level to regulate the minimum academic requirements, continuing education, and inclusion into the nonphysician data bank on the national level.