OPINION|
by Members of Missouri’s Advanced Practice Registered Nurses Full Practice Authority
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane.” How can we address the disparities in health care access and outcomes that continue to plague our society? Costs continue to skyrocket and inequities persist. With thousands of Missourians still lacking access, it is evident that the health care system is broken.
Through grassroots advocacy and community engagement, we can drive meaningful reform and ensure no one is left behind.
One proposed solution is to allow Nurse Practitioners and other advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to practice to the full extent of their scope and education. Currently, Missouri is one of the most restrictive states, which hinders a Nurse Practitioner’s ability to provide essential health care services. These barriers not only impede the potential of APRNs to fully utilize their skills and expertise, but also contribute to the overall health care disparities in the state.
The current restrictions have created many barriers, such as having to be within 75 miles of a collaborating physician. Due to the physician shortage, this places great limitations on APRNs to practice in rural communities and has caused many to have to close their clinics, leaving thousands of Missouri residents without access to care. With the physician shortage only anticipated to become worse over the next few years due to retirement, moving, or becoming physically unable to work, this leaves APRNs unable to continue caring for their patients. The trickle effect this causes leads to longer wait times, with some waiting weeks to months to be seen and/or traveling 50+ miles for their health care needs. This leaves those with transportation barriers without care.
In recent years, the debate surrounding full-practice authority for Nurse Practitioners has intensified, with some physicians who hold power in the legislature expressing concerns against allowing full practice for advanced practice nurses. At the heart of the opposition to removing restrictions lies a complex web of concerns including patient safety and competition. However, it is essential to recognize that advanced practice nurses are highly trained, skilled health care providers who play a vital role in delivering quality care to patients across the country. Already 27 other states have granted full practice to APRNs and have made a powerful impact on their health care disparities and improved their access to care significantly. There have been no concerns raised about patient safety in these states. Decades of research have consistently shown that APRNs can effectively manage a wide range of health care needs, from primary care services to specialty services, and mental health needs, and have produced outcomes comparable to those of physicians.
By working together, physicians and nurse practitioners as well as other members of the health care team can leverage their unique skills and expertise to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care that addresses the diverse needs of individuals seeking healthcare services.
In conclusion, the debate surrounding full practice authority for APRNs is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires careful consideration and open dialogue among stakeholders. By approaching the issue with empathy, understanding, and a shared commitment to improving patient care, we can work towards a health care system that prioritizes collaboration, patient-centered care, and the well-being of individuals seeking health care services. Together we can create a system that empowers health care providers to deliver high-quality, accessible care to all patients, regardless of their background or circumstances.