(Answered) NR506 NP: WEEK 6: SCOPE OF PRACTICE AND PATIENT’S HEALTHCARE ACCESSIBILITY

Requirements:

  1. Discuss your state NP community in terms of scope of practice. Include the your state’s scope of practice for NPs including:
    • Level of independence of practice
    • Prescribing authority
    • Any limitations of practice
    • Process for obtaining licensure in your state
    • Certification and education requirements for licensure.
  2. If you live in a restricted or reduced practice state, how has patient care been impacted in your local community from these barriers?  For instance, is the ED used for primary care?  Are the EDs overcrowded with long wait times?  Are there urgent care clinics readily available? Is there adequate access to primary care?  If you live in a full practice, how has independent practice of the APN resulted in improved patient access to healthcare?
  3. How does access to NPs impacts any healthcare disparities?

Solution:

The scope of practice of NPs varies from state-to-state ranging from autonomous practice to direct physician oversight. In Kentucky, NPs have a reduced scope of practice.  Despite the fact that NPs are recognized as the primary caregivers and can independently treat and diagnose, Kentucky law (KRS 314.011),  requires APRNs to prescribe non-scheduled legend drugs and controlled substance upon acquiring a written collaborative agreement with a physician licensed in Kentucky during their first four years of practice (Kentucky Board of Nursing, 2019).   However, after the four years, NPs can prescribe legends drugs independently but maintain a collaborative agreement for the prescription of Schedule II-V controlled substances. APRN licensure is usually done online.  To apply license in Kentucky,  one is required to submit an online application and pay an initial application fee of $150.  Alternatively, documents can be mailed to the  State’s Board of Nursing.  Once the license is approved, a notification email is sent to the applicant with the license number and expiration date.  Documents required include a copy of national certification card or certificate, state and federal background check as well as an official transcript that shows completion of post-basic nursing education program.

Reduced practice in Kentucky is associated with high health care disparities and a higher chronic disease burden.  This can be attributed to the reduced workforce necessary to satisfy the health…..Please click the icon below to purchase the full solution at $5