Abstract
Nurse Practitioner full practice authority denotes the ability to provide patient care
without the requirement of a collaborative agreement, no supervision or conditions for
practice. Full practice authority is needed more now than ever before due to the increasing limited access to care. The current health care crisis in the United States is multifaceted, realized by a growing population, aging population, increased healthcare utilization through expansion of Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) model of care and physician shortages. Nurse practitioners are well trained to address the needs of providing safe and effective patient care. State Board of Nursing regulations has failed to keep up with changes in clinical practice while collaborative practice agreements have made barriers to providing care. Twenty-three states and the Veterans Administration currently enforce Nurse Practitioner full practice authority. Legislative changes are necessary to remove the limitations and barriers in states with reduced and restricted practice. Nurse Practitioner full practice authority is necessary to meet the challenges in healthcare access. Nurse Practitioner full practice authority will eliminate barriers to healthcare provider access.
