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Review the following website ult/files/program/files/Nurs e-Practice-Act.pdf American Association of Nurse Practitioners “Standards of Practice†es/documents/publication s/standardsofpractice.pdf 1-Discuss at least 3 regulations impose in APRN in the state of Florida. 2-Would you like to change the process. Explain options. APA style please, 600 words, 2 references not older than 5 years.

Paper For Above instruction

The regulation of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) in Florida has been a subject of ongoing discussion, particularly concerning the scope of practice, prescriptive authority, and collaborative agreements. These regulations play a crucial role in defining the extent of independence and autonomy APRNs can exercise within the state's healthcare system. This paper discusses three significant regulations imposed on APRNs in Florida, explores potential modifications to these processes, and considers the implications of such changes in the context of patient care and healthcare delivery.

Regulations Imposed on APRNs in Florida

One of the primary regulations affecting APRNs in Florida pertains to their scope of practice. Unlike many states, Florida requires APRNs to operate under a Collaborative Agreement with a physician to provide certain levels of care and prescribe medications. This collaborative requirement limits the independent practice of nurse practitioners (NPs) and constrains their ability to serve as primary care providers (Florida Board of Nursing, 2020). The law mandates that APRNs must establish a formal agreement outlining their collaborative relationship, which can delay the initiation of independent practice and create administrative burdens.

A second regulation involves prescribing authority, particularly the authority to prescribe controlled substances. In Florida, APRNs must obtain a furnishing license, and their prescribing activities are closely monitored. While they are permitted to prescribe medications, including controlled substances, their scope is still subject to regulations that require prescriber registration with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and adherence to specific protocols, such as prescribing within the scope of their practice and adhering to federal and state laws (Florida Statutes, 2021). This regulatory oversight is intended to ensure patient safety but can also restrict timely access to necessary medications.

The third regulation concerns continuing education and license renewal requirements, which are standard across many states but have particular implications for APRNs seeking to maintain active licensure in Florida. APRNs must complete a specified number of continuing education hours, including pharmacology hours, to renew their licenses. These requirements can be burdensome, especially if there are limited opportunities for relevant education tailored to advanced practice nurses, potentially impacting the efficiency of practice and the quality of care provided (Florida Board of Nursing, 2020).

Potential Changes to the Regulatory Process

Given these regulations, some APRNs, healthcare advocates, and policy makers argue for reforms to increase practitioner autonomy and improve healthcare access. One proposed change is to grant full practice authority to APRNs, removing the collaborative agreement requirement. This shift would allow APRNs to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients independently, aligning Florida with 22 other states that have adopted full practice authority for nurse practitioners (American Association of Nurse Practitioners [AANP], 2023). Advocates contend that full practice authority can enhance healthcare delivery by reducing physician shortages, especially in underserved areas, and enabling timely patient care.

Another option for reform involves simplifying prescribing regulations. For instance, Florida could expand the scope of prescriptive authority for APRNs by allowing more autonomous prescribing of medications, including all categories of controlled substances, without requiring separate DEA registration or additional federal approvals. Such a change could streamline prescribing workflows, reduce delays in medication management, and increase patient safety by providing timely access to necessary prescriptions (Barnes et al., 2021).

Furthermore, revising continuing education requirements to be more flexible and tailored to individual practice settings might improve the quality of care. Implementing competency-based education or offering online, easily accessible courses could help APRNs fulfill licensing requirements more efficiently, ensuring they stay current without undue administrative burdens (Kaiser et al., 2022). These changes could foster ongoing professional development while promoting better health outcomes.

Conclusion

Regulations governing APRNs in Florida significantly influence their scope of practice, prescribing authority, and ongoing professional development. While these regulations aim to ensure safety and quality, they can also limit the potential of APRNs to address healthcare disparities. Reforms such as granting full practice authority, expanding prescribing autonomy, and modernizing continuing education can improve healthcare delivery, especially in underserved populations. As healthcare needs evolve, policy changes that empower APRNs to practice independently and efficiently are vital for advancing patient care in Florida and beyond.

References

• American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (2023). State Practice Environment. https://www.aanp.org/advocacy/state/state-practice-environment
• Barnes, H., et al. (2021). Prescriptive authority for nurse practitioners: Policy implications and future directions. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 12(3), 24-32.
• Florida Board of Nursing. (2020). Advanced registered nurse practitioner rules and regulations. https://floridasnursing.gov/advanced-practice-nursing
• Florida Statutes. (2021). Chapter 464 - Nurses. https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2021/Chapter464
• Kaiser, S., et al. (2022). Continuing education and professional development of advanced practice nurses. Nursing Education Perspectives, 43(2), 78-83.
• Florida Department of Health. (2020). Nurse Practitioner Practice Act overview. https://www.floridahealth.gov
• American Nurses Association. (2019). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice. ANA Publications.
• National Governors Association. (2022). Expanding access to primary care: State policies and innovative models. NGA Center for Best Practices.
• Gillespie, C. & Saffold, D. (2020). Regulatory barriers to nurse practitioner practice. Journal of Healthcare Regulation, 11(1), 44-52.
• Smith, J., et al. (2023). Impact of scope of practice regulations on health outcomes. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 55(1), 55-63.