Ohio operates the “Reduced Practice” regulatory structure, requiring licensed nurse practitioners (NPs) to enter into career-long collaborative agreements with physicians and other healthcare professionals to practice. That limits the ability of NPs to fully employ their skills and knowledge while contributing to the healthcare of Ohioans.
The “Full Practice” policy structure gives NPs independence, empowering them to make critical health management decisions in accordance with their training. The National Academy of Medicine recognizes the need for NPs to operate at the highest level of professionalism with sufficient autonomy. Hence it ascribes the full practice structure as ideal. NPs are asked to join hands and advocate for its implementation in all states.