American Academy of Nursing Announces Position Statement on Full Practice Authority for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)
American Academy of Nursing Announces Position Statement on
Full Practice Authority for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)
Allowing APRNs to Practice to Full Extent of Education and Training is Essential to
Improving Primary Care in the United States
Washington, DC (January 19, 2018) — The American Academy of Nursing today announced its position statement that full practice authority for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) is necessary to transform primary care, and that practice restrictions on APRNs should be removed so that they may practice to the full extent of their education and training.
Lack of full practice authority for APRNs is a barrier to the provision of efficient, cost-effective, high-quality, and comprehensive health care services for some of the nation’s most vulnerable populations. APRNs are a ready workforce, ideally positioned to improve access to care. However, barriers at the state and national levels continue to prevent APRNs from practicing to the full extent of their capabilities.
The Academy’s position statement, “Full practice authority for advanced practice registered nurses is necessary to transform primary care,” was published in the November/December 2017 issue of the Academy’s journal, Nursing Outlook.
“”The increasing health care needs of the public, existence of disparities, and decreasing availability of primary care providers are of deep concern to the Academy,” said Academy President Karen Cox, PhD, RN, FAAN. “Allowing APRNs full practice authority can alleviate these challenges while providing quality health care to the community.”
In states where APRNs have full practice authority, benefits have been identified that include significantly fewer emergency room visits for nonemergency health care, lower hospitalization rates, and expanded health care utilization, particularly among the most vulnerable.
Among the Academy’s recommendations is for Congress to reform the public and private payment systems to allow equitable independent reimbursement for APRNs practicing in primary care in all settings, allowing direct remuneration from Medicare, Medicaid, and private payers for the care that is provided by APRNs. In addition, State Boards of Nursing should remove restrictions for APRNs in all states and federal agencies and clarify credentialing requirements.
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About the American Academy of Nursing
The American Academy of Nursing (www.AANnet.org) serves the public and the nursing profession by advancing health policy and practice through the generation, synthesis, and dissemination of nursing knowledge. The Academy’s more than 2,500 Fellows are nursing’s most accomplished leaders in education, management, practice, and research. They have been recognized for their extraordinary contributions to nursing and health care.
CONTACT:
Barry Eisenberg
202-777-1174
Barry_Eisenberg@aannet.org
