The COVID19 pandemic has caused a growing need to lift restrictions that would allow APRNs to practice in primary care, nursing facilities where there is a increasing shortage of medical providers in Georgia and the United States.

It is time for Nurse Practitioners to have full practice authority in Georgia and the United States.

TEN YEARS AGO: The Institute of Medicine’s report called for the removal of practice barriers. These laws, regulations and policies prevent APRNs from providing the full scope of health care services they are educated and certified to provide.

As documented by the American Nursing Association ANA. State practice and licensure laws permit all NPs to evaluate patients; diagnose, order and interpret diagnostic tests; and initiate and manage treatments, including prescribing medications and controlled substances, under the exclusive licensure authority of the state board of nursing. This is the model recommended by the National Academy of Medicine, formerly called the Institute of Medicine, and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. This would allow full practice authority.

This petition is to address GEORGIA’s need for APRN’s to practice independently after at least 3-5 years of supervision by a established APRN or Physician from date of initial certification.