Full Practice Authority: Policy Review and Recommendation for Regional Nurse Practitioner Practice in the Southeastern Region of the United States

Abstract

This policy analysis examines the limited practice authority for advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) in the Southeastern United States, focusing on Tennessee while drawing comparisons to Georgia and Alabama. The PICO question that guided this policy analysis is: For advanced practice registered nurses within the southeast region of the United States (P), how does the development of a comprehensive policy recommendation for full practice authority (I), compared to existing reduced or restricted practice authority in the southeast region of the United States (C) affect access to care as endorsed by literature (O)? The literature suggests that despite being equipped with the education, accreditation, certification, and licensure, APRNs in the Southeastern states still have regulatory and nonregulatory barriers to practice, impeding their ability to provide access to care, especially in rural and underserved communities. Moreover, the literature strongly advocates adopting evidence-based recommendations by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, the Consensus Model, and The Academy of Medicine to modernize the outdated regulatory and nonregulatory barriers impeding APRNs. A policy brief is also proposed to engage stakeholders in advocating for these evidence-based recommendations and securing APRNs' full practice authority. Eliminating these barriers allows APRNs to work to their full ability, resulting in enhanced healthcare access, improved quality, reduced healthcare disparities, and potentially lowered healthcare costs.