Diverse regulatory criteria, such as variable accreditation standards, disparate certification and licensing requirements, inconsistent population foci, and scopes of practice, represent barriers to optimized APRN function within today's complex healthcare system and, ultimately, reduced access to safe, quality care for patients. The Consensus Model for APRN Regulation promises to unify APRN education, practice, and licensure, promoting greater mobility among nursing professionals. Elimination of inconsistencies in APRN licensure, education, certification, and accreditation requirements will promote greater value and mobility for the APRN within the healthcare system.
Rounds, L. R., Zych, J. J. and Mallary, L. L. (2012), The consensus model for regulation of APRNs: Implications for nurse practitioners. Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. doi:10.1111/j.1745-7599.2012.00812.x
This article discusses the challenges in standardizing the APRN scope and practice in order to increase the mobility between states for practicing APRNs. It also would increase access to APRN care nationwide. After the signing of the Affordable Care Act, there was an increase in care provided and the need for nurse practitioners increased with that.The Federal Trade Commission found that mandatory physician supervision for nurse practitioners led to higher costs and reduced quality of care.
