Throughout the United States the practice of a nurse practitioner varies from states to state. These laws and regulations can be defined as full practice, reduced practice or restricted practice (American Nurse Practitioner, 2018). I am from New Jersey and I am a current resident of Colorado, therefore, I will elaborate on the difference of regulations for nurse practitioners between the two states.

In Colorado nurse practitioners have full practice. Full practice means all nurse practitioners can “evaluate patients; diagnose, order and interpret diagnostic tests; and initiate and manage treatments, including prescribing medications and controlled substances” (American Nurse Practitioner, n.d.-a). Nurse practitioners have autonomous practice, can order physical therapy referrals, sign disabled placard cards and sign POLST forms and cannot sign death certificates (Barton Associates, 2019). In Colorado, a nurse practitioner can prescribe after a thousand hours of practice with a physician or another nurse practitioner (Scope of Practice, n.d.-a). Licensure requirements are an RN license, graduate degree and national certification (American Nurse Practitioner, n.d.-a).

In new Jersey, nurse practitioners have reduced practice. Reduced practice states “reduce the ability of NPs to engage in at least one element of NP practice” (American Nurse Practitioner, 2018), elements defined as “ordering of certain diagnostic tests, the provision of emergency medical services, the dispensing of certain medications and other treatments, and medical referrals” (Louie, n.d.). The nurse practitioner must collaborate and have a written protocol with a physician when prescribing medications. In addition to, the nurse practitioner “must consult the supervising physician when prescribing controlled substances” (Scope of Practice, n.d.-b). Furthermore, nurse practitioners must have “at least six extra hours of pharmacological education to prescribe medications and devices” (Nurse Practitioner Schools, n.d.). nurse practitioners do not have autonomous practice, can order physical therapy referrals, can sign death certificates under specific situations, can sign disabled placard cards and sign POLST forms. (Barton Associate, 2019). Licensure requirements are an RN license, graduate from an NP program and a national certification (American Nurse Practitioner, n.d.-b).

In both states nurse practitioners are recognized as primary care providers.

Reference:

American Nurse Practitioner. (2018). State practice environment. Retrieved from https://www.aanp.org/advocacy/state/state-practice-environment

American Nurse Practitioner. (n.d.-a). Colorado-Information and Resources for Colorado NPs. Retrieved from https://www.aanp.org/advocacy/colorado

American Nurse Portioner. (n.d.-b). New Jersey-Information and Resources for New Jersey NPs. Retrieved from https://www.aanp.org/advocacy/new-jersey

Barton Associates. (2019). Nurse Practitioner Scope of Practice Laws. Retrieved from

https://www.bartonassociates.com/locum-tenens-resources/nurse-practitioner-scope-of-practice-laws

Louie, K. (n.d.). APRN Scope of Practice: A Guide for Graduate Nursing Students and Practicing APRNs. Online FNP programs. Retrieved from https://www.onlinefnpprograms.com/features/guide-to-aprn-practice-authority/#content-div-state-31

Nurse Practitioner Schools. (n.d.). How Does Nurse Practitioner Authority Vary By State?. Retrieved from https://www.nursepractitionerschools.com/faq/how-does-np-practice-authority-vary-by-state/

Scope of Practice. (n.d.-a). Colorado Scope of Practice Policy: State Profile. Retrieved from http://scopeofpracticepolicy.org/states/co/#tab-nurse-practitioners

Scope of Practice. (n.d.-b). New Jersey Scope of Practice Policy: State Profile. Retrieved from http://scopeofpracticepolicy.org/states/nj/