Mission of state/regional boards of nursing as the protection of the public through the regulation of nursing practice.

Sample Solution

   

APRN Collaborative Practice Agreements

California:

• APRNs are required to have a collaborative practice agreement (CPA) with a physician.
• The CPA must outline the scope of practice for the APRN and the specific tasks that the APRN is authorized to perform.
• The CPA must be reviewed and approved by the Board of Registered Nursing (BRN).

Full Answer Section

      Texas:

• APRNs are not required to have a CPA with a physician.
• APRNs can practice independently and can perform any task that is within their scope of practice.
• The BRN does not regulate the scope of practice for APRNs.

APRN Prescribing Authority California:

• APRNs can prescribe medications independently.
• APRNs must complete a prescribing course and pass a prescribing exam.
• APRNs must have a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) number.

Texas:

• APRNs can prescribe medications independently.
• APRNs must complete a prescribing course and pass a prescribing exam.
• APRNs must have a DEA number.

Differences: The main difference between the California and Texas APRN regulations is the requirement for a CPA. In California, APRNs are required to have a CPA with a physician, while in Texas, APRNs are not required to have a CPA. This difference in regulations reflects the different approaches that the two states take to regulating APRN practice. Another difference between the two states is the level of regulation of APRN prescribing authority. In California, the BRN regulates the scope of practice for APRNs, including their prescribing authority. In Texas, the BRN does not regulate the scope of practice for APRNs. This means that APRNs in Texas have more autonomy in their practice and can prescribe medications for any condition within their scope of practice. How the Regulations Apply to APRNs Who Have Legal Authority to Practice Within the Full Scope of Their Education and Experience The regulations on APRN collaborative practice agreements and prescribing authority apply to all APRNs, regardless of whether they have legal authority to practice within the full scope of their education and experience. APRN Collaborative Practice Agreements APRNs who have legal authority to practice within the full scope of their education and experience must still have a CPA with a physician in California. The CPA is required to ensure that the APRN is working collaboratively with a physician and that the APRN is practicing within their scope of practice. In Texas, APRNs who have legal authority to practice within the full scope of their education and experience do not need to have a CPA with a physician. However, they should still work collaboratively with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure that their patients are receiving the best possible care. APRN Prescribing Authority APRNs who have legal authority to practice within the full scope of their education and experience can prescribe medications independently in both California and Texas. They must complete a prescribing course and pass a prescribing exam, and they must have a DEA number. Example of How APRNs May Adhere to the Two Regulations An APRN who has legal authority to practice within the full scope of their education and experience can adhere to the regulations on APRN collaborative practice agreements and prescribing authority by:

• Collaborative practice agreements (CPAs):
  • Working collaboratively with a physician or other healthcare professionals to provide care to their patients.
  • Keeping their CPA up to date and having it reviewed and approved by the BRN (if required).
• Prescribing authority:
  • Completing a prescribing course and passing a prescribing exam.
  • Obtaining a DEA number.
  • Prescribing medications in accordance with their scope of practice.

Conclusion The regulations on APRN collaborative practice agreements and prescribing authority vary from state to state. It is important for APRNs to be familiar with the regulations in the state where they practice. APRNs who have legal authority to practice within the full scope of their education and experience can adhere to these regulations by working collaboratively with other healthcare professionals and prescribing medications in accordance with their scope of practice.