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Professional Nursing and State-Level Regulations
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Professional Nursing and State-Level Regulations
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) are essential members of the healthcare team that provide patients around the country with safe, high-quality care. To ensure patient safety and high-quality treatment, each state has its rules for APRNs.
Regulations for APRNs in Virginia Vs. in Texas
In Virginia, the Virginia Board of Nursing (VBON) governs the practice and education of APRNs. The VBON mandates that APRNs possess a current Registered Nurse (RN) license and MSN degree or higher from a recognized nursing institution. APRNs are expected to maintain national certification in their chosen specialty area and satisfy continuing education requirements. In Virginia, APRNs are not permitted to independently administer Schedule II-V restricted medications; however, they may do so in conjunction with a doctor (Virginia Board of Nursing, n.d.).
The Texas Board of Nursing (TBON) regulates APRNs’ practice and education in Texas. The TBON mandates that APRNs possess a valid RN license and have earned an MSN degree or higher from an accredited program. Texas mandates that APRNs maintain their national certifications in their particular fields of specialization and satisfy continuing education requirements. In Texas, APRNs are permitted to prescribe schedule II–V restricted medications without the involvement of a physician (Texas Board of Nursing, n.d.).
Comparison of Virginia and Texas Regulations
There are several similarities and differences between the laws governing APRNs in Virginia and Texas. APRNs must possess a valid RN license and have finished an MSN program or higher from an approved institution in both Virginia and Texas. Both states have laws requiring APRNs to keep their national certifications in their chosen specialties and to complete continuing education requirements.
One notable distinction in the regulations between Virginia and Texas is the authorization to prescribe controlled medications. In Virginia, advanced practice registered nurses are permitted to prescribe controlled substances from Schedules II–V only when working with a physician. In contrast, advanced practice registered nurses in the state of Texas with full practice authority are permitted to prescribe controlled substances, including controlled substances classified under Schedules II-V, without the involvement of a physician.
One further thing that sets Texas apart from Virginia is the ability of advanced practice registered nurses to work on their own. In Virginia, advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) are allowed to work independently to some extent, but they are still required to work under the direction of a doctor who is already qualified to do so. For instance, they need to establish a collaborative practice agreement with a physician in order to prescribe schedule II–V controlled drugs. On the other hand, advanced practice registered nurses in the state of Texas are permitted to work independently, and it is not necessary for them to have a CPA with a physician in order for them to prescribe controlled medications.
Application of Regulations to APRNs
The regulations for APRNs in Virginia and Texas have a significant impact on their practice. For the safety of their patients and the provision of high-quality care, APRNs must be aware of and follow the laws in their state (Phillips, 2020). For instance, in Virginia, APRNs must have a CPA with a doctor before they may administer Schedule II-V restricted medications. The scope of practice for the APRN, including the ability to prescribe, is outlined in this agreement, which also guarantees that the APRN and doctor collaborate to provide safe and efficient treatment Virginia Board of Nursing, n.d.). Contrarily, APRNs in Texas who independently prescribe controlled medications are subject to stringent rules that include registering with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and abiding by applicable state and federal laws (Texas Board of Nursing, n.d.). This ensures that in Texas, APRNs are held to the same standard as physicians when it comes to prescribing controlled substances.
In conclusion, APRNs’ practice is significantly impacted by the laws in Virginia and Texas, especially when it comes to prescribing controlled substances. To ensure patient safety and high-quality care, APRNs must abide by these laws, and those who practice across state lines must be aware of the variations among them.
References
Phillips, S. J. (2020). 32nd Annual APRN Legislative Update: Improving access to high-quality, safe, and effective healthcare. The Nurse Practitioner, 45(1), 28-55. https://journals.lww.com/tnpj/FullText/2020/01000/32nd_Annual_APRN_Legislative_Update__Improving.6.aspx
Texas Board of Nursing. (n.d.). Practice and prescriptive authority for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs). 2021 https://www.bon.texas.gov/practice_nursing_practice_aprninfo.asp.html
Virginia Board of Nursing. (n.d.). Advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) – prescriptive authority. http://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Nursing/ApplicantResources/ApplyforLicense/PrescriptiveAuthority/index.html
QUESTION
Discussion Post Question
Post a comparison of at least two APRN board of nursing regulations in your state/region with those of at least one other state/region. Describe how they may differ. Be specific and provide examples. Then, explain how the regulations you selected may apply to Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) who have legal authority to practice within the full scope of their education and experience. Provide at least one example of how APRNs may adhere to the two regulations you selected.
My State is Virginia another state to compare with is Texas.
Include a minimum of three references. Plagiarism free
Resources to look at, you do not have to include this resource just providing them for referral or research to assist in completing the assignment. If you decide to use them then please include both intext citation and also In the reference list.
- Bosse, J., Simmonds, K., Hanson, C., Pulcini, J., Dunphy, L., Vanhook, P., & Poghosyan, L. (2017). Position statement: Full practice authority for advanced practice registered nurses is necessary to transform primary careLinks to an external site.. Nursing Outlook, 65(6), 761–765.
- Halm, M. A. (2018). Evaluating the impact of EBP education: Development of a modified Fresno test for acute care nursingDownload Evaluating the impact of EBP education: Development of a modified Fresno test for acute care nursing. Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing, 15(4), 272–280. doi:10.1111/wvn.12291
- Neff, D. F., Yoon, S. H., Steiner, R. L., Bumbach, M. D., Everhart, D., & Harman J. S. (2018). The impact of nurse practitioner regulations on population access to careLinks to an external site.. Nursing Outlook, 66(4), 379–385.
Minimum 2 pages maximum 3