This Week's Content: Addressed Professional And Legal Issues
This Weeks Content Addressed Professional And Legal Issues State Boa
This week's content-addressed professional and legal issues, state boards of nursing, advanced practice licensure, regulations, scope of practice, and national certification as an advanced practice nurse. It is your responsibility to look at your individual board of nursing and remain up to date with the changes that are carried out in your state. For this week's discussion review your state's scope of practice and address 3 areas that you were not aware you can do as a licensed provider in your state. FLORIDA.
Paper For Above instruction
In understanding the professional and legal issues surrounding advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in Florida, it is essential to analyze the state's scope of practice, licensure regulations, and the roles permitted under current legislation. Florida, like many states, continually updates its nursing laws to expand or clarify the functions of nurse practitioners (NPs) and other APRNs. Despite familiarity with the general scope of practice, certain specific responsibilities or procedures may be less well-known. This paper explores three such areas that I was previously unaware I could perform as a licensed APRN in Florida.
First, one of the primarily overlooked aspects relates to the authority of Florida nurse practitioners to prescribe certain controlled substances independently. Many practitioners recognize that prescribing is part of their role, but the extent of autonomy in prescribing Schedule II substances without collaborative practice agreements can be less apparent. Recent changes in Florida statutes allow certified nurse practitioners to prescribe controlled substances, including Schedule II drugs, upon obtaining the necessary certification and registration from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This independence enhances patient access to timely care and pain management options, especially in underserved areas. The recognition that APRNs can now independently prescribe these medications, with appropriate oversight and registration, broadens their capacity to deliver comprehensive healthcare.
Secondly, Florida allows APRNs to administer vaccines and immunizations independently, a provision that expands preventive health services. Although vaccination authority has historically been within the purview of physicians, recent legislative updates permit nurse practitioners to independently assess patient eligibility and administer vaccines, including those for influenza, pneumonia, shingles, and COVID-19, among others. This autonomy significantly impacts public health efforts, especially considering the ongoing need for immunizations during pandemics and outbreaks. It empowers nurse practitioners to bolster immunization rates and reduce the burden on primary care physicians by providing this service directly within their scope.
Thirdly, Florida permits APRNs to engage in certain types of minor surgical procedures and skin biopsies independently, under specific conditions. While procedural skills vary among APRNs depending on individual training and certification, recent regulatory adjustments clarify that nurse practitioners with appropriate training can perform basic dermatological procedures such as lesion removal, skin biopsies, and suturing. These procedures traditionally required referral to specialists or physicians; however, current regulations recognize the advanced procedural skills of nurse practitioners, thereby expanding their role in dermatology and urgent care settings. This development allows for more immediate patient care, reduces wait times, and increases access to necessary interventions in primary care.
In summary, Florida has made significant strides in expanding the scope of practice for nurse practitioners, enabling them to prescribe Schedule II controlled substances independently, administer a wide range of immunizations autonomously, and perform minor surgical procedures. These changes reflect a broader trend towards recognizing the advanced training and capabilities of APRNs, ultimately improving access to comprehensive healthcare, especially in rural and underserved communities. Staying informed about these evolving regulations is vital for all licensed providers to ensure compliance and to maximize their contribution to patient care.
References
American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (2023). Florida Nurse Practitioner Practice Policy. https://www.aanp.org/advocacy/state/florida
Florida Board of Nursing. (2023). Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Rules and Regulations. https://floridasnursing.gov/licensing/advanced-practice-rns/
Florida Statutes. (2022). Nurse Practice Act, Chapter 464. https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2022/Chapter464
National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2022). APRN Consensus Model. https://www.ncsbn.org/aprn.htm
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2023). Vaccination Authority for Nurse Practitioners. https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-immunization
American Pharmacists Association. (2022). Prescriptive Authority and Controlled Substances. https://www.aphafoundation.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). Immunization Guidelines for Healthcare Professionals. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines
American Medical Association (AMA). (2023). Scope of Practice Regulations. https://www.ama-assn.org
American College of Surgeons. (2022). Nurse Practitioner Procedures in Dermatology. https://www.facs.org
Federation of State Medical Boards. (2021). Scope of Practice and Regulations. https://www.fsmb.org