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VA wants full practice authority for advanced practice nurses

Nurse Leader Insider, June 16, 2016

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The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently filed a proposed rule to permit full practice authority of all VA advanced practice registered nurses (APRN). The proposed rule would establish additional professional qualifications an individual must possess to be appointed as an APRN within VA. It would also subdivide APRNs into four separate categories that include certified nurse practitioner, certified registered nurse anesthetist, clinical nurse specialist, and certified nurse-midwife. The VA states that the services provided by an APRN would be consistent with the nursing profession's standards of practice for such roles.

The VA hopes the rule will increase veterans' access to VA healthcare, which has come under fire in recent years. The proposal is being met with mixed reactions. The American Society of Anesthesiologists released a statement saying giving APRNs full practice authority would lower the standard of care for veterans and jeopardize lives. On the other side, the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists says the VA should utilize APRNs to the full extent of their practice authority to help veterans receive more timely access to care. Comments for the proposed rule are due July 25.

Source: Federal Register.

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