Discuss your state NP community in terms of scope of practice.

Scope of practice and patient’s healthcare accessibility

The state-specific scope of practice varies for NPs and is governed by the state nursing boards. Scope of Practice defines what healthcare services NPs can provide. As a general rule, NPs have the right to independently practice, diagnose, treat, prescribe, and order tests. Depending on the laws of the respective state, their level of practice authority can vary.

In certain states, NPs are allowed to practice independently without physician supervision. Alaska, Arizona Colorado Hawaii Idaho Iowa Maine Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Mexico North Dakota Oregon Rhode Island South Dakota Utah Vermont Washington Wyoming and District of Columbia are some of these states.

In some states, NPs are restricted in their practice, which requires that they have physician collaboration or supervision. The oversight could be needed for the prescribing of medications, diagnosing or treating specific medical conditions, ordering diagnostic tests, etc. Specific requirements differ by state.

It is also important that NPs are familiar with their respective state’s laws and regulations. To ensure that state regulations are met and the best possible care is provided to patients, it may be necessary for NPs to collaborate with physicians.