APRN Scope of Practice

APRN Scope of Practice

Compare North Dakota to Florida for the scope of practice for the advanced practice nurse. How does it compare to Florida in 500 words apa format and 2 academic sources

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APRN Scope of Practice

Comparing the Scope of Practice for Advanced Practice Nurses: North Dakota vs. Florida

The scope of practice for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) varies significantly across the United States due to differences in state laws and regulations. North Dakota and Florida represent two contrasting approaches to APRN practice authority, with North Dakota granting full practice authority and Florida maintaining more restricted practice.

North Dakota is among the states recognized as having “Full Practice Authority” (FPA) for APRNs. This designation allows APRNs to evaluate patients, diagnose conditions, interpret diagnostic tests, and initiate treatment plans—including prescribing medications—without physician oversight. This authority is granted upon licensure and does not require a transitional supervision period (American Association of Nurse Practitioners [AANP], 2024). The North Dakota Board of Nursing regulates APRN practice and supports independent clinical decision-making aligned with national standards. This autonomy has enabled APRNs in North Dakota to improve healthcare access, especially in rural and underserved areas.

In contrast, Florida remains a “Restricted Practice” state for APRNs. Historically, Florida required APRNs to work under a written protocol supervised by a physician. However, recent legislative changes have slightly improved the practice environment. In 2020, Florida passed House Bill 607, which allows certain APRNs—specifically nurse practitioners who meet rigorous criteria—to practice independently in primary care settings. These criteria include a minimum of 3,000 hours of supervised practice and completion of specified graduate coursework (Florida Board of Nursing, 2023). Despite this progress, APRNs in Florida still face significant restrictions when compared to their counterparts in North Dakota. Prescriptive authority for controlled substances remains closely monitored, and collaboration with physicians is required in most specialties.

The differences in scope of practice between these two states have practical implications for healthcare delivery. In North Dakota, APRNs contribute significantly to primary care, especially in rural communities where physicians are scarce. Their ability to practice independently reduces delays in care and supports cost-effective treatment. Meanwhile, in Florida, the limited autonomy of APRNs can lead to longer wait times and underutilization of skilled nursing professionals. The requirement for physician supervision may also discourage APRNs from establishing practices in underserved areas where physician collaboration is not readily available.

In conclusion, North Dakota offers a more progressive and flexible practice environment for APRNs compared to Florida. By granting full practice authority, North Dakota empowers APRNs to fully utilize their education and training to provide high-quality care. Florida’s recent legislative reforms are a step in the right direction, but continued advocacy is needed to eliminate barriers to practice and improve healthcare access statewide. As the demand for healthcare providers grows, expanding APRN autonomy nationwide could help bridge the gap in primary care services.