New York grants full practice authority to state's nurse practitioners

New York is the newest state to grant nurse practitioners (NP) full practice authority, joining 24 other states and Washington, D.C.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed the state budget into law on Saturday, that includes legislation that eliminates the requirement for NPs to have a written practice agreement with a physician and allows them to provide the full scope of services they are educated and clinically trained to provide.

Granting full practice authority bolsters efforts to reduce healthcare disparities and increase health equity. It authorizes NPs to evaluate patients; diagnose, order and interpret diagnostic tests; initiate and manage treatments; and prescribe medications, all under the exclusive licensure authority of the state board of nursing.

This framework eliminates "unnecessary, outdated regulatory barriers" that prevent patients from accessing these vital care services directly from NPs, according to American Associaton of Nurse Practitioners.

The American Medical Association and other physician groups, however, argue collaborations are needed for patient safety.

Source: HealthLeaders