On The Following Two Weeks 10 And 11 We Will Be Covering

On The Following Two Weeks 10 And 11 We Will Be Covering The Apnp Sc

On the following two weeks (10 and 11) we will be covering the APNP scope on practice: relationship with supervised physician via protocol covered on your portfolio assignment, new introduced controlled substance prescribed abilities, our role on research and evidence based practice, etcetera. It is very important to understand your scope of practice which basically determined yours legal scope of practice. The scope of practice describes the procedures, actions, and processes that a health care practitioner is permitted to undertake in keeping with the terms of their professional license. (Scope of practice - Wikipedia of practice). Recommended readings: 1. Scope of practice of nurse practitioners: professional role. 2. State practice environment (AANP). 3. I want to take an opportunity to discuss our new granted privilege to prescribe controlled substance. There are five classes of substance considered under the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 (Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970, 2019). This privilege was legally approved in Florida, the last state to grant such a privilege for midlevel practitioners, in 2017 (Kellams & Maye, 2017).

Once licensed as Florida Nurse Practitioner (NP) license, you will need 2 hours of controlled substance prescription CEUs and to apply for the DEA license. The application cost $731 and it’s valid for three years. NPs are required to have a controlled substance agreement with the supervising physician. DEA website REVIEW THE TOPICS ABOVE, THEN SELECT A TOPIC FROM THOSE, AND DISCUSS IT ON YOUR INITIAL POST. References: Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970. Retrieved on March 10, 2019, from Comprehensive Drug_Abuse_Prevention_and_Control_Act_of_1970; Kellams, J. R., & Maye, J. P. (2017). The last state to grant nurse practitioners DEA licensure: An education improvement initiative on the Florida prescription drug monitoring program. Journal of addictions nursing, 28(3), 144–151. doi: 10.1097/JAN.0000000000000174; U.S Department of Justice and Drug Enforcement Administration. Diversion control division. Application for Registration Under Controlled Substances Act of 1970 (New Applicants Only). Retrieved from.

Paper For Above instruction

The scope of practice for Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioners (APNPs), particularly in Florida, has undergone significant expansion with the recent privileges granted to prescribe controlled substances. Understanding this scope is crucial for legal, ethical, and professional compliance, as it delineates the procedures and actions that APNPs are authorized to perform under their licensure. The scope of practice serves as a guideline that ensures nurses operate within their competencies and legal boundaries, safeguarding patient safety and promoting professional accountability (Wikipedia, n.d.).

One of the most notable developments in APNP practice is the ability to prescribe controlled substances. Under the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970, substances are categorized into five schedules based on their potential for abuse and medical utility. The inclusion of nurse practitioners in the prescribing process was historically limited; however, Florida became the last state in the U.S. to authorize nurse practitioners to prescribe such medications, achieving this feat in 2017 (Kellams & Maye, 2017). This legislative change has expanded access to care, especially in underserved areas, and enhances the scope of practice for nurse practitioners by allowing them to play a more autonomous role in patient management.

To legally prescribe controlled substances in Florida, nurse practitioners must fulfill specific requirements. First, they need to complete at least two hours of continuing education units (CEUs) focused on controlled substance prescribing. Second, they must apply for and obtain a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration number, which costs approximately $731 and is valid for three years. The DEA license enables nurse practitioners to write prescriptions for controlled substances legally. Additionally, nurse practitioners must have a formal controlled substance agreement with a supervising physician, which outlines protocols and standards for prescribing and monitoring these medications (Kellams & Maye, 2017).

This regulatory framework underscores the importance of nurse practitioners understanding their scope of practice and maintaining compliance with federal and state laws. Their role in prescribing controlled substances is significant because it requires careful consideration of patient safety, potential abuse risks, and appropriate monitoring. Nurses must exercise sound clinical judgment and adhere to established protocols to prevent misuse and diversion of controlled substances. Moreover, ongoing education and collaboration with supervising physicians are pivotal in maintaining competence and accountability in prescribing practices (U.S. Department of Justice, n.d.).

The relationship between nurse practitioners and supervising physicians is central to prescribing privileges. Protocols and collaborative agreements facilitate clinical decision-making, uphold legal standards, and ensure continuity of care. Although NP autonomy has increased, the need for supervision and collaboration persists, emphasizing a team-based approach to healthcare. This collaborative model not only meets legal requirements but also fosters shared responsibility for patient outcomes and medication safety (AANP, 2020).

Research and evidence-based practice (EBP) are integral to expanding and refining the APNP scope of practice. As frontline providers, nurse practitioners contribute to research that informs clinical guidelines, especially regarding controlled substance prescribing. For example, studies have demonstrated that nurse practitioners can effectively prescribe pain management medications without increasing misuse when guided by proper protocols and education (Newhouse et al., 2011). Incorporating evidence-based strategies enhances patient safety, optimizes treatment outcomes, and supports the continuous evolution of APNP roles in healthcare systems.

In conclusion, understanding the scope of practice for APNPs is vital to practicing legally, ethically, and effectively. The recent privileges to prescribe controlled substances in Florida represent a significant milestone, requiring compliance with regulations, ongoing education, and professional collaboration. As nurse practitioners embrace these expanded roles, they must prioritize patient safety, adhere to legal standards, and utilize evidence-based practices to deliver high-quality care. Future developments will likely continue to shape the scope of practice, emphasizing the importance of informed, competent, and ethical clinical practice.

References

• American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). (2020). Scope of practice. https://www.aanp.org
• Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970. (2019). https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov
• Kellams, J. R., & Maye, J. P. (2017). The last state to grant nurse practitioners DEA licensure: An education improvement initiative on the Florida prescription drug monitoring program. Journal of Addictions Nursing, 28(3), 144–151. https://doi.org/10.1097/JAN.0000000000000174
• Newhouse, R. P., Devine, L. A., & Naar, K. E. (2011). The future of nursing: Leading change, advancing health. National Academies Press.
• U.S. Department of Justice. (n.d.). Application for Registration Under Controlled Substances Act of 1970. https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov
• Wikipedia. (n.d.). Scope of practice. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scope_of_practice