An ongoing challenge for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) has been changing state legislation that allow APRNs to practice to the fullest extent to which they were academically prepared. For this discussion question, contact the Board of Nursing (BON) in your state or access your BON online. Examine laws that govern APRNs in your state. Consider the following: do APRNs in your state have prescriptive authority; is there legislation in place that allows them to practice autonomously; and finally, if a bill has been passed and adopted, which legislator introduced the bill and who were the strongest advocates for the bill? Then post an initial response that addresses the following:
Explain how the lack of autonomy for APRNs impact patients in rural populations? As a health care professional in an advocacy role, what resources could you utilize to guide you in changing policies that impact APRNS in your state? Include in your discussion the type of stakeholders and collaborative partners you would seek to guide or assist you on this cause.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) are highly educated and skilled professionals who provide primary and specialty health care services to patients. However, state legislation can limit their ability to practice to the fullest extent of their training. In this discussion, we will examine the laws governing APRNs in different states and consider the impact of the lack of autonomy for APRNs on patients in rural populations. We will also discuss the resources and stakeholders that healthcare professionals can use to change policies that affect APRNs in their state.
Answer:
The lack of autonomy for APRNs can significantly impact patients in rural populations. These patients often face difficulty accessing healthcare services due to a shortage of healthcare providers in these areas. When APRNs are not allowed to practice autonomously, patients may have to travel long distances to receive care or go without care altogether. This can lead to worsening health outcomes, higher healthcare costs, and increased patient dissatisfaction.
As a healthcare professional in an advocacy role, there are several resources and stakeholders that could be helpful in changing policies that impact APRNs in your state. One resource is the American Nurses Association (ANA), which advocates for legislation that supports APRNs’ full practice authority. Another resource is the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), which provides information on state laws and regulations governing APRN practice.
Stakeholders and collaborative partners who could be helpful in this cause include other healthcare professionals, such as physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, as well as patient advocacy groups and healthcare organizations. By working together, these stakeholders can help to change policies that limit APRNs’ ability to practice to the fullest extent of their training and improve access to healthcare services for patients in rural areas.
