Limitations of Practice result from state adoption of policy that provides a framework for which nurse practitioners (NPs) are required to work within. Certain policies, for example, may put a limit on the extent to which an NP is allowed to put their knowledge and skills to use in the interest of the patient. Idaho operates the “full practice” policy for nurse practitioner practice. This means that nurse practitioners in the state are allowed to practice to the full extent of their skills without needing to be confined to work within career-long collaborative agreements.
Additionally, the full practice policy enables NPs to do more at the primary healthcare level concerning preventative medicine. The National Academy of Medicine is in support of this policy as the standard for all states in the US. States that still operate the restricted and reduced practice policies must bridge the gap in the education and license of NPs to enable their transition into the full practice policy. Nurses and NPs should lend their voice to advocacy towards the adoption of the full practice policy in all states.