NR 506 Week 6 NP Scope of Practice

Student Name

Chamberlain University

NR-506: Healthcare Policy

Prof. Name:

Date

NP Scope of Practice in Florida

In Florida, nurse practitioners (NPs) are governed by regulations that require them to work under a supervisory agreement with a healthcare provider to offer patient care (AANP, 2020). Recently, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill that allows NPs who have completed at least 3,000 hours of practice under physician supervision to practice independently without oversight (Thomas, 2020). This change reflects a shift toward increased autonomy for NPs who meet the specified requirements.

Prescribing Authorities

Florida law permits NPs to prescribe controlled substances, but only under the supervision of a physician. NPs must have a written agreement in place to prescribe these substances. For Schedule II controlled substances, prescriptions are limited to a seven-day supply, except for psychiatric medications, which are not subject to this restriction. Additionally, only psychiatric NPs are authorized to prescribe psychiatric medications for children under 18 years of age. To maintain prescriptive authority, NPs must complete three hours of continuing education every two years on the safe and effective prescription of controlled substances (American Medical Association, 2017).

Limitations of Practice

Once certified, advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) are permitted to perform medical diagnoses, order and interpret tests, and develop treatment plans, but this is done under the supervision of a physician. A written protocol is required between the NP and their supervising physician, outlining all duties to be performed. While the physician does not need to be physically present, they must be available by phone for patient consultations. In Florida, NPs are recognized as primary care providers, which allows them to take on significant roles in patient care management.

Table: Nurse Practitioner Regulations in Florida

Regulation Aspect	Details	Reference
Supervision Requirements	NPs must practice under the supervision of a healthcare provider, except for those with 3,000 hours of practice.	AANP (2020), Thomas (2020)
Prescriptive Authority	NPs can prescribe controlled substances with physician supervision, limited to seven days for Schedule II substances.	AMA (2017)
Licensure and Certification	NPs must be licensed registered nurses, hold national certification, and meet additional education requirements.	NONPF (2012), NursingLicensure.org (2020)

Licensure Process in Florida

To become licensed in Florida, advanced practice nurses must first be licensed as registered nurses (RNs). They are required to provide proof of national certification from an accredited specialty board, which involves clinical experience, meeting academic standards, submitting an application, and passing an examination. Furthermore, NPs must undergo fingerprinting and a background check, complete a two-hour course on the prevention of medication errors, and carry liability insurance (NursingLicensure.org, 2020).

Education and Certification Requirements

The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) outlines core competencies required for all NPs, which include scientific foundations, leadership, quality, practice inquiry, technology, policy, health delivery systems, ethics, and independent practice. These competencies ensure that NPs possess the knowledge and skills necessary for independent practice (NONPF, 2012).

Barriers to Practice

Despite evidence showing that NPs provide high-quality, cost-effective care comparable to that of physicians, they face significant barriers in Florida. Current regulations limit their ability to practice fully within their scope of education and certification, particularly in rural areas and among Medicaid populations. Advocates argue that these restrictions result in unnecessary costs and place burdens on underserved communities, especially in areas where primary care providers are scarce (Florida Association of Nurse Practitioners, 2020).

Impact on Healthcare Disparities

NPs play a critical role in reducing healthcare disparities by providing affordable and accessible care to underserved populations. They offer essential services, including preventative care and disease management, which contribute to healthier communities. By expanding access to care, NPs help bridge gaps in healthcare for individuals who otherwise might not have access to any form of treatment (Florida Association of Nurse Practitioners, 2020).

References

American Medical Association. (2017). State law chart: Nurse practitioner prescriptive authority. Retrieved from https://www.ama-assn.org/sites/ama-assn.org/files/corp/mediabrowser/specialty%20group/arc/ama-chart-np-prescriptive-authority.pdf

AANP. (2020). Florida scope of practice policy: State profile. Retrieved from http://scopeofpracticepolicy.org/states/fl/

Florida Association of Nurse Practitioners. (2020). The advanced practice nurse solution. Retrieved from https://www.flanp.org/page/TheAPRNSolution

NursingLicensure.org. (2020). Advanced registered nurse practitioner requirements in Florida. Retrieved from https://www.nursinglicensure.org/np-state/florida-nurse-practitioner.html