Preparing the Discussion
Discuss your state NP community in terms of scope of practice. Include your state’s scope of practice for NPs, including:
Level of independence of practice In California, NPs are required to practice under Standardized Procedure Guidelines. If CA is your intended practice state, provide details on how Standardized Procedures Guidelines are developed in California and an example of a California SPG.
Prescribing authority
Any limitations of practice
Process for obtaining licensure in your state
Certification and education requirements for licensure.
If you live in a restricted or reduced practice state, how has patient care been impacted in your local community by these barriers? For instance, is the ED used for primary care? Are the EDs overcrowded with long wait times?
Are there urgent care clinics readily available? Is there adequate access to primary care? If you live in a full practice, how has an independent practice of the APN resulted in improved patient access to healthcare?
How does access to NPs impact any healthcare disparities?
A scholarly resource must be used for EACH discussion question each week.