The following there weeks will review  the APRN scope of practice. We must know and get familiar with the procedures, actions, and processes permitted by our professional license.

1. Regulatory obstacles: One major challenge that APRNs have to face are the regulatory restrictions that affect their Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). In most states, APRNs must work under the supervision and guidance of a doctor, which may limit their practice. Some states prohibit APRNs, as well, from prescribing or performing specific procedures.
2. Reimbursement Policies: Another issue that APRNs have to deal with is reimbursement policies. These policies are set by insurance companies as well as government programs. Many times, the policies don’t fully acknowledge the value of services provided by APRNs, and this can restrict their ability to offer care to patients. Some insurance companies, for example reimburse APRNs less than doctors when they provide the same service.
3. Public awareness is limited: APRNs are faced with a problem of public ignorance about their roles and services. This awareness gap can be a barrier to APRNs’ ability to become accepted by patients and other health care providers.

Reference: Mark, B. A., & Patel, E. (2019). The scope of practice for Nurse Practitioners: Where are we now and what do we know? Journal of Professional Nursing, 35(2), 103-110. doi: 10.1016/j.profnurs.2018.09.006