Limitations of practice are regulations that restrict the practice of nurse practitioners. These limitations tend to narrow the scope of practice and whittle down the independence of the nurse practitioner (NP). Many state laws only allow NPs to engage in a specific facet of their area of practice only with the direct collaboration or if you like, supervision of a licensed physician. While many states impose no limitations on NPs, others either impose reduced practice or restricted practice. North Carolina falls among the states that set the strictest of limitation-restricted practice.
With restricted practice, NPs in North Carolina will suffer more than the limited authority to prescribe drugs which is the mark of reduced practice. North Carolina NPs in addition, will face even more responsibilities except in concert with a physician.
Limiting the practice of NPs has dealt a blow to the effectiveness of the healthcare system in every state where it is practiced. An increase in healthcare cost, reduced access to quality healthcare services, and reduced job satisfaction is implications of limitation of practice.
North Carolina NPs can form a stronger coalition that will pressure political actors to review these regulations. More NPs should join in this advocacy project and create more force that will bring the issue to the front burner of public discourse. As a new NP in North Carolina, lending your voice to this cause will make a tremendous difference.