Limitations of Practice in Nursing are the standards and bars put in place to ensure that nurse practitioners (NPs) work in a friendly work environment and within their scope of practice. The Nursing Practice Act (NPA) together with the New Mexico Board of Nursing rules and regulations govern nursing practice in New Mexico.
Every nurse, whether an RN or APRN, must practice within the parameters of these established regulations. Full Practice Authority (FPA) is the authorization of nurse practitioners (NPs) to evaluate patients, diagnose, order, and interpret diagnostic tests and initiate and manage treatments including prescribing medications; under the exclusive licensure authority of the state board of nursing. This is one of the limitations because some states do not allow NPs to practice independently.
According to state law, nurse practitioners may “practice independently and make decisions regarding health care needs of the individual, family or community and carry out health regimens” independently. In New Mexico, NPs are granted FPA on original licensure and may prescribe medications, including class 11-V scheduled drugs. Prescribing scheduled medications requires registration with the DEA.
There is the need for NPs to keep advocating for the adoption of full practice because this will enable NPs to practice independently in the Primary healthcare centers and also go a long way to affect the overall clinical outcome.