Florida Nurse Practitioner Scope of Practice
Level of Independence:
Florida is a reduced practice state for Nurse Practitioners (NPs). This means NPs can practice but require a collaborative agreement with a supervising physician [Florida Statutes, 464.012(1)]. The supervising physician must be available for consultation and provide oversight of the NP’s practice, although the extent of this supervision can vary depending on the specific agreement.
Prescribing Authority:
NPs in Florida have full prescriptive authority. They can prescribe all medications, including Schedule II controlled substances, without requiring physician approval [Florida Statutes, 491.011(1)(b)].
Limitations of Practice:
While NPs have broad practice authority, some limitations exist:
- Performing Surgery:NPs cannot perform surgery independently but can assist surgeons in procedures [Florida Board of Nursing Administrative Code, 64B9-18.001(2)(b)].
- Admitting Patients:NPs generally cannot directly admit patients to hospitals, although some healthcare systems may have established protocols allowing for NP admissions under specific conditions [Florida Board of Nursing Administrative Code, 64B9-18.001(2)(b)].
Process for Obtaining Licensure:
To obtain an NP license in Florida, applicants must:
- Hold an active Registered Nurse (RN) license in Florida.
- Have a Master’s degree in nursing from an accredited program.
- Have national certification from a recognized NP certifying organization.
- Complete a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised clinical practice as an NP [Florida Board of Nursing, n.d.].
Certification and Education Requirements:
NPs in Florida must be certified by a national certifying organization approved by the Florida Board of Nursing. There are different certifications available depending on the NP’s area of specialty, such as family practice, pediatrics, or adult gerontology.
Impact of Reduced Practice:
Florida’s reduced practice model can limit patient access to care in several ways:
- Fewer NPs:The requirement for a supervising physician disincentivizes some NPs from practicing in the state, leading to a shortage of primary care providers, particularly in rural areas.
- Increased Costs:The involvement of a supervising physician can potentially increase healthcare costs for patients.
- Delayed Care:Patients may experience delays in receiving care if their NP needs to consult with a supervising physician for certain decisions.
Source: Florida Board of Nursing. (n.d.). Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs). https://floridasnursing.gov/nursing-faqs/advanced-practice-registered-nurse-aprn/
Access to NPs and Healthcare Disparities:
NPs can play a vital role in reducing healthcare disparities by:
- Increasing Access:NPs can help address the shortage of primary care providers in underserved communities.
- Providing Culturally Competent Care:NPs can receive training to provide care that is sensitive to the cultural needs of diverse populations.
Source: National Academy for Medicine. (2021). The future of nursing 2020-2030: Charting a course for a healthy nation. National Academies Press. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34524769/
Additional Notes:
While Florida is a reduced practice state, there are ongoing efforts to expand the scope of practice for NPs. These efforts aim to increase access to healthcare and improve patient outcomes.
