Barriers for Advanced Practice Nursing

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          Saunders (2014) identifies several barriers that have hindered the progress of advanced practice nursing (APN). Here are three key barriers and strategies to overcome them:

1. Limited Scope of Practice:

• Barrier: Many states have restrictive scope-of-practice laws that limit the types of services APNs can provide.
• Strategies:
  • Advocate for legislative changes to expand APN scope of practice.
  • Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to develop interdisciplinary models of care.
  • Educate policymakers about the benefits of expanding APN roles.

2. Inadequate Reimbursement:

• Barrier: APNs often receive lower reimbursement rates than physicians for similar services.
• Strategies:
  • Negotiate with payers for fair reimbursement rates.
  • Advocate for policy changes to increase reimbursement for APN services.
  • Develop value-based payment models that reward quality of care rather than quantity of services.

3. Lack of Public Awareness:

• Barrier: Many people are not aware of the roles and qualifications of APNs.
• Strategies:
  • Conduct public education campaigns to raise awareness of APN roles.
  • Partner with community organizations to promote APN services.
  • Highlight the benefits of APN care to patients and policymakers.

By addressing these barriers, APNs can play a more significant role in providing high-quality, accessible healthcare to patients.  

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