The Scope Of Practice Describes The Procedures Actions And P ✓ Solved
The Scope Of Practice Describes The Procedures Actions And Pro
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. 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. This privilege was legally approved in Florida, the last state to grant such a privilege for midlevel practitioners, in 2017. Once licensed as a Florida Nurse Practitioner (NP), you will need 2 hours of controlled substance prescription continuing education units (CEUs) and to apply for the DEA license. The application costs $731 and it’s valid for three years. NPs are required to have a controlled substance agreement with the supervising physician.
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The scope of practice is a crucial aspect of healthcare delivery, defining the boundaries within which healthcare practitioners such as nurse practitioners (NPs), physicians, and other licensed professionals operate. This scope encompasses the tasks and procedures that healthcare providers are authorized to perform based on their professional education, training, and licensure. Recent developments have significantly expanded the scope of practice for nurse practitioners, particularly in relation to prescribing controlled substances.
Understanding the Scope of Practice
The definition of the scope of practice varies from state to state, influenced by local regulations and professional standards. Generally, it includes elements such as assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of patient care. The advancements in healthcare have prompted discussions about optimizing the roles of various practitioners, including NPs, to enhance patient access to care. The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) indicates that NPs are essential to filling gaps in primary care, especially in underserved areas (AANP, 2021).
Granting the Privilege to Prescribe Controlled Substances
One of the most significant developments in the scope of practice for nurse practitioners is the ability to prescribe controlled substances. Historically, several states limited this ability, impacting the overall effectiveness of midlevel practitioners in managing patient care. In 2017, Florida became the last state to grant nurse practitioners the privilege to prescribe controlled substances, which marked a turning point in the state's approach to healthcare delivery (Kellams & Maye, 2017).
The privilege to prescribe controlled substances was introduced to address the rising demand for accessible healthcare services. NPs are often the first point of contact for patients and can manage a variety of health conditions, including chronic diseases and mental health disorders. Allowing NPs to prescribe controlled substances permits them to offer a more comprehensive range of treatments, significantly impacting patient care and health outcomes.
Requirements for Prescribing
Once licensed as a Florida Nurse Practitioner, there are specific requirements to prescribe controlled substances legally. NPs must complete two hours of continuing education in controlled substance prescribing and apply for a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) license, which authorizes them to prescribe narcotics and other controlled medications (Florida Board of Nursing, 2021). The application fee for the DEA license is $731, and it remains valid for three years.
In addition to these requirements, nurse practitioners must establish a controlled substance agreement with their supervising physician. This agreement outlines the collaborative working relationship and sets guidelines for the prescription of controlled substances to ensure patient safety and regulatory compliance. Such agreements are crucial in promoting accountability and allowing for oversight when NPs prescribe medications that may carry higher risks (U.S. Department of Justice, 2019).
Impact on Healthcare Delivery
The ability to prescribe controlled substances has significant implications for healthcare delivery in Florida. It facilitates improved access for patients who might otherwise struggle to obtain necessary medications, particularly in rural and underserved communities. NPs can provide timely interventions for pain management, mental health support, and other medical conditions that often require the use of controlled substances.
Moreover, this expansion of scope aligns with the growing emphasis on team-based care in healthcare settings. Nurse practitioners collaborate closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive and coordinated care. By allowing NPs to prescribe controlled substances, the healthcare system can optimize its workforce and enhance service delivery.
Challenges and Considerations
Furthermore, ongoing education and training are vital for NPs to navigate the complexities associated with controlled substances. Continuous professional development helps practitioners stay informed about best practices, legal requirements, and the evolving landscape of medication management in healthcare.
Conclusion
The expansion of the scope of practice to include prescribing controlled substances is a significant advancement for nurse practitioners in Florida. It reflects a growing recognition of the essential role NPs play in healthcare delivery. By enabling nurses to prescribe these medications, Florida not only enhances patient access to care but also allows for more comprehensive management of health conditions.
As healthcare continues to evolve, it is critical for nurse practitioners to embrace their professional responsibilities, engage in continuous learning, and uphold the highest standards of patient care. The journey of nurse practitioners in the realm of prescribing controlled substances serves as a testament to the progress made and the ongoing commitment to improving health outcomes in communities.
References
- AANP. (2021). Scope of practice for nurse practitioners. American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Retrieved from [website URL]
- 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). doi:10.1097/JAN.
- U.S. Department of Justice. (2019). Diversion control division. Application for Registration Under Controlled Substances Act of 1970. Retrieved from [website URL]
- Florida Board of Nursing. (2021). Requirements for the prescribing of controlled substances by nurse practitioners. Retrieved from [website URL]
- CDC. (2018). Guidelines for prescribing opioids for chronic pain. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from [website URL]
- Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970. (2019). Retrieved from [website URL]
- [insert additional references here]