Discussion Question:
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.
DQ1 UMBO – 2DQ1 PLG – 5DQ1 CLO – 5, 7
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
The role of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) has always been a topic of discussion when it comes to the changing state legislation. APRNs have been facing challenges in some states to practice fully according to their academic preparation. This question will look at the laws governing APRNs in a particular state, how lack of autonomy for APRNs affects patients in rural populations, and what resources healthcare professionals can use to change policies affecting APRNs.
Answer:
In the state of California, APRNs are allowed to practice autonomously within their scope of practice with some restrictions. APRNs in California have prescriptive authority for scheduled medications and can perform physical examinations, order diagnostic tests, and interpret the results. However, they must practice under the supervision of a physician or surgeon if they do not possess the necessary certification for independent practice.
The lack of autonomy for APRNs in rural populations can be a big problem as patients in these areas often have reduced access to healthcare services. APRNs in these regions can play a crucial role in addressing this issue by providing primary care services to patients. However, restrictions on their practice can limit their ability to provide healthcare services, resulting in reduced access to healthcare for patients in underserved areas.
As healthcare professionals, we can utilize resources such as professional associations, academic institutions, and public forums to guide us in changing policies that impact APRNs. We can collaborate with stakeholders such as APRNs, physicians, patients, and healthcare organizations in advocating for legislative changes that give APRNs more autonomy in their practice. Additionally, we could seek the expertise of legal and political consultants to assist us in the legislative process.
In conclusion, enhancing the autonomy of APRNs is critical to addressing rural healthcare disparities. Through advocacy and collaboration with stakeholders, healthcare professionals can push for changes in policies that allow APRNs to practice to the full extent of their academic preparation, enabling them to provide better healthcare services to patients in underserved areas.