FEDERAL | ASPS Urges for Changes to the APRN Compact
The Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Compact has been the subject of consideration in numerous states over the past two years. This measure creates an interstate compact that grants APRNs who hold a multistate licensure to practice without any supervision, collaboration, or oversight, regardless of existing state laws. In response to an increase in state legislation, ASPS signed a letter, coordinated by the American Medical Association, urging the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) to amend the Compact and remove language that creates the potential to supersede state scope of practice laws. The letter received robust support from nearly all the state medical associations along with a host of national specialty societies.
This engagement is an important aspect of the Society's advocacy as ASPS combats scope expansion efforts by APRNs. ASPS opposed APRN scope expansion efforts in four states in 2018 and has monitored over 50 separate pieces of legislation that pertain to this issue over the course of the past 18 months. The Society is committed to working with the house of medicine to monitor and oppose any legislation, rules, and other proposals that would grant APRNs the ability to practice independently. The Society's efforts coincide with those of other medical specialties and the AMA, which adopted a resolution in November at the House of Delegates in opposition to the Compact.