Limitations of practice are policy systems and structures that can negatively affect the quality of services offered by nurse practitioners (NPs). In certain states, NPs are required to be in career-long collaborative agreements with other health practitioners, such as physicians. However, Iowa uses the “full practice” regulatory structure which allows nurse practitioners to practice to the full extent of their skill and training without supervision.
As long as all the necessary permits and licenses are obtained, nurse practitioners can practice on their own at the primary healthcare level. The National Academy of Medicine recommends that all states should work towards the implementation of the full practice structure as it is ideal for the maximization of health care resources. Nurses and allied professions should lend their voices advocating towards the implementation of the full practice structure in all states.