Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) Are A Vital Part

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses Aprnare A Vital Part Of The Heal

Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) are a vital part of the health system of the United States. They are registered nurses educated at Masters, post Masters or doctoral level and in a specific role patient and population. APRNs are prepared by education and certification to assess, diagnose, and manage patient problems, order tests, and prescribe medications. With over 267,000 advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in the U.S, APRNs represent a powerful force in the health care system. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing describes the Consensus Model as providing guidance for states to adopt uniformity in the regulation of APRN roles. The target date for completion was set for 2015. Today, many states have adopted portions of the Consensus Model elements but variation exists from state to state.

Review your state's Consensus Model, specifically for Ohio. Describe two items your state has adopted in the scope and standards of the Consensus Model. Identify an area in Ohio’s nurse practice act that appears incongruent with the Consensus Model. Additionally, describe whether Ohio has an established plan of action related to the Consensus Model.

Paper For Above instruction

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) play an essential role in the healthcare delivery system in the United States by providing high-quality, cost-effective care across various settings. The development of the Consensus Model for APRN Regulation by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) aimed to standardize and clarify the roles, titles, and regulatory processes of APRNs nationwide. Although the target completion date was 2015, the adoption of these standards varies by state, including Ohio, which has made significant strides in aligning its regulations with the Consensus Model.

Adoption of the Consensus Model in Ohio

Ohio has made notable progress in adopting the elements outlined in the Consensus Model, particularly in the areas of licensure, certification, and regulation. Two significant items Ohio has adopted include the recognition of APRN roles such as Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) under its licensing statutes. These roles are now clearly defined within Ohio's Nurse Practice Act, aligning with the consensus standards that designate distinct roles based on education, certification, and scope of practice.

Another area Ohio has adopted from the Consensus Model pertains to licensure renewal processes and the utilization of national certification for renewal eligibility. Ohio recognizes certifications from approved national certification bodies, reinforcing the importance of standardized testing and credentialing to ensure APRN competency. This adoption enhances continuity of practice and portability of licensure across states that follow the Consensus Model framework.

Incongruence Between Ohio Nurse Practice Act and the Consensus Model

Despite these advancements, there are areas where Ohio's nurse practice act appears incongruent with the Consensus Model. A notable example involves the scope of practice restrictions for APRNs in Ohio. The state retains language that limits the ability of APRNs to practice independently without physician collaboration or supervision. Such restrictions conflict with the Consensus Model, which emphasizes the importance of independent practice authority for APRNs, especially those who are certified and experienced. The model advocates for removing unnecessary regulatory barriers to increase access to care, particularly in underserved areas.

Ohio's regulatory language requiring formal collaborative agreements with physicians can hinder APRNs' ability to fully utilize their training and expertise, potentially impacting healthcare delivery efficiency and patient access. This discrepancy underscores the ongoing challenge Ohio faces in modernizing its regulations to align with the national standards promoted by the Consensus Model.

Ohio’s Plan of Action Related to the Consensus Model

Ohio has initiated discussions and legislative efforts aimed at improving APRN practice authority. The Ohio Nurse Practitioners Association has been active in advocating for legislation that grants full practice authority to certified nurse practitioners, aligning with the standard set forth in the Consensus Model. While comprehensive independent practice has not yet been achieved statewide, ongoing legislative proposals and policy updates signal a commitment to progress.

Additionally, Ohio has taken steps to enhance collaboration with the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and other national organizations to promote policy changes conducive to full APRN practice independence. The state’s strategy involves a combination of legislative advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and alignment of certification requirements to meet national standards. However, legislative and regulatory hurdles remain, and full implementation of the Consensus Model’s recommendations has yet to be realized at the state level.

Conclusion

In summary, Ohio has made substantial progress in adopting key elements of the Consensus Model, particularly in defining APRN roles and recognition of national certifications. Nonetheless, restrictions on independent practice represent a significant incongruity that needs addressing to fully realize the model’s vision. Continuous efforts and legislative advocacy are vital to align Ohio’s nurse practice act with national standards and enhance the role of APRNs in expanding access to quality healthcare across the state.

References

  • National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2016). Consensus Model for APRN Regulation: Licensure, Accreditation, Certification & Education. https://www.ncsbn.org/Consensus_Model_Document.pdf
  • Ohio Revised Code. (2022). Chapter 4723: Nurse Practice Act. https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/chapter-4723
  • American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (2023). State Practice Environment. https://www.aanp.org/advocacy/state/state-practice-environment
  • Fang, D., Casarino, C., & Weil, J. (2020). The role of state regulations in advancing nurse practitioner practice. Nursing Outlook, 68(4), 420-427. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2020.02.011
  • Zhang, Q., et al. (2021). State policy barriers and facilitators for advanced practice registered nurses. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 12(2), 34-42. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnurerep.2021.02.001
  • Kuo, Y. F., et al. (2019). Increased scope of practice for nurse practitioners and patient access to care in the United States. Medical Care, 57(8), 632–639. https://doi.org/10.1097/MLR.0000000000001137
  • Young, A. L., & Connolly, L. (2022). State legislative efforts to expand APRN authority. Policy, Politics & Nursing Practice, 23(3), 123-129. https://doi.org/10.1177/15271544221102269
  • American Nurses Association. (2023). Nurse Practitioner Practice and Regulation. https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/work-environment/health-policy/
  • Chatterjee, P., et al. (2020). The impact of regulation changes on APRN practice. Journal of Healthcare Management, 65(2), 127-139. https://doi.org/10.1097/JHM-D-19-00233
  • Collins, S. A., & Schor, E. (2017). The evolving scope of practice for nurse practitioners. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 29(7), 403-410. https://doi.org/10.1002/2327-6924.12434

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