Reference no: EM133530404
Discussion Post
An APRNs scope of practice varies from state to state. There are three different levels of practice, full practice authority, restricted practice authority and reduced practice authority. Full practice authority allows the APRN to practice without the physician supervision, restricted practice authority requires that a physician direct the care they provide, and reduced practice authority states that APRNs have limitations on what they can practice (Jividen, 2023). Each state under the U.S Constitution can decide what regulations APRNs have to abide by in order to practice. The ultimate goal is to protect the people and the federal government allows the states to determine how to regulate healthcare with that in mind (Milstead & Short, 2019).
Board of Nursing Regulations in South Carolina:
Practice Authority: In my state of South Carolina APRNs have restricted practice authority. They are not allowed to practice medicine without being under the direct supervision of a physician. A physician must be reachable by any means electronically and be in close proximity of the practice.
Prescriptive Authority: APRNs in SC have the authority to write for Schedule 11 controlled substances. In 2018, prescriptive authority advanced to include Schedule 11 narcotic and non- narcotic medications. There are also limitations to these medications, Schedule 11 non narcotics can only be prescribed up to thirty days, and narcotics only five days. This does not allow the APRN to grant a refill on this medication before those days are up unless it is written and signed by an overseeing physician (Wildeman, 2020). APRNs must complete a total of 45 CEU's and an additional 15 hours focusing on controlled substances.
Board of Nursing Regulations in Hawaii:
Practice Authority: Hawaii allows for full practice authority for APRNs. Meaning that they can practice as a primary care provider without being supervised by a physician or collaborating care with a team.
Prescriptive Authority: Hawaii allows for APRNS to prescribe Schedule 11-V controlled substances without a physician supervising. The Hawaii Board of Nursing controls the authority to prescribe these medications. They are allowed to prescribe medication, equipment or any medical needs the patient may have. Hawaiian APRNs are also able to recommend schedule 1 narcotics including medical marijuana (MedSource Consultants, 2018).
1) How do these two states differ with regulations?
2) How would these regulations apply to APRNs who have full authority?