Question

A nurse educator is preparing a lecture regarding prescriptive authority for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). Which statement is appropriate for the educator to include in the lecture regarding this topic?1. APRNs can only prescribe medications when under the supervision of a physician.2. APRNs prescribe medication based on federal regulations.3. APRNs prescribe medication based on state regulations.4. APRNs prescribe medication based on local regulations.

Answer 1

APRNs prescribe medication based on state regulations.

Explanation:

The Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) are nurse practitioners who provide health care under the primary, acute, and specialty healthcare systems through proper assessment and diagnosis as well as treatment of various diseases, illnesses or injuries. Prescribing medications is a part of nursing care by the ARNPs.

According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, the prescriptive privilege of the ARNPs is regulated solely by the state authorities like the state nursing board based on the ARNP’s role and level of education or certification. This is mainly to implement competent and safe nursing practices and to safeguard public health.

The regulatory authority is not controlled by the federal government because of the rules and regulations change according to the individual states. So, although they can prescribe without a physician's supervision but still needs to as per the state regulations.