FNP Scope of Practice by State
What a family nurse practitioner can do independently depends heavily on the state. States fall into three broad categories — full, reduced, and restricted practice — that determine whether you need physician involvement to diagnose, treat, and prescribe.
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- What are the three practice-authority levels?
- Full practice: FNPs can evaluate, diagnose, order tests, and prescribe independently. Reduced practice: a collaborative agreement with a physician is required for at least one element of practice. Restricted practice: ongoing physician supervision or delegation is required.
- How do I find my state’s rules?
- Practice authority is set by each state board of nursing and does change over time. Check your state board of nursing for the current rule before you plan where to practice.
- Does the certification exam differ by state?
- No. The AANP FNP-C and ANCC FNP-BC exams are national and identical everywhere. Only the scope you are allowed to practice under afterward varies by state.
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