Select a state that has full practice authority and compare it with a state that does not have full practice authority for APRNs, and compare the state’s health outcomes on at least 5 different metrics (e.g., cancer incidence, maternal mortality rate, infant mortality rate, diabetes, heart disease, suicide rate, etc.). Reflect on the differences and similarities you find. How do you think full practice authority for APRNs could help improve outcomes?
Health Outcomes in Colorado (full practice authority state) versus Michigan (restricted practice authority state):
Colorado(Full Practice)
Infant Mortality= 4.5/1000 live births
Diabetes= 19.3/100,000 deaths
Alzheimer’s Disease=29.5/100,000 deaths
Stroke=33.7/100,000 deaths
Cancer=159.7/100,000 deaths
(National Center for Health Statistics, 2019)
Michigan(Restricted Practice)
Infant Mortality=6.3/1000 live births
Diabetes=27.3/100,000 deaths
Alzheimer’s Disease=22.9/100,000 deaths
Stroke=39.3/100,000 deaths
Cancer=192.6/100,000 deaths
(National Center for Health Statistics, 2019)
Four out of the five health outcome categories listed above have better results in Colorado, a full practice authority state, compared to Michigan, a restrictive authority state. Research shows that NPs are more likely to practice in rural areas, which increases access to care (Issues at a Glance: Full Practice Authority, 2021). Full practice authority states also eliminate delays in care caused by the NPs being unnecessarily regulated by physicians in restrictive states (Issues at a Glance: Full Practice Authority, 2021). Colorado’s overall better health outcomes may be due to people having better access to care so they get the help they need. They also are getting care in a timely manner because there are no unnecessary regulations causing delays in care.