The American Association of Nurse Practitioners classifies practice environments into three categories. States offer full, reduced, or restricted practice environments, with full practice authority as the gold standard. If you work in a state with full practice authority, you will be able to diagnose, treat, and manage care without working under a physician.
Certified Nurse Practitioners (CNPs) that work in states with full practice authority demonstrate higher satisfaction levels. Additionally, it’s good for patients since it removes barriers to care, especially in rural areas. That, in turn, makes the healthcare system run more efficiently.
A reduced practice environment lessens the provider’s authority over at least one practice area. Unfortunately, Wisconsin has a reduced practice environment. You must enter a collaborative agreement, and a physician will supervise you while practicing. Also, you only have the authority to prescribe schedule II controlled substances in limited circumstances.
Fortunately, more and more states have adopted full practice environments, in part due to the advocacy work of nurses and organizations. If you would like to do your part to help Wisconsin nurse practitioners, check out the American Association of Nurse Practitioners’ Advocacy Center. It includes various ways you can do your part to change the legislation to eliminate the restrictions.
Even though Wisconsin CNPs must operate in a reduced practice environment, it’s still an excellent state to work. Thus, begin the process so you can obtain your CNP license. At the same time, take steps to urge legislators to change the law so you will have full practice authority after getting licensed.