Discussion Question:

An ongoing challenge for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) has been changing state legislation that allow APRNs to practice to the fullest extent to which they were academically prepared. For this discussion question, contact the Board of Nursing (BON) in Alabama or access your BON online. Examine laws that govern APRNs in your Alabama. Consider the following: do APRNs in your state have prescriptive authority; is there legislation in place that allows them to practice autonomously; and finally, if a bill has been passed and adopted, which legislator introduced the bill and who were the strongest advocates for the bill? Then post an initial response that addresses the following:

Explain how the lack of autonomy for APRNs impact patients in rural populations? As a health care professional in an advocacy role, what resources could you utilize to guide you in changing policies that impact APRNS in Alabama? Include in your discussion the type of stakeholders and collaborative partners you would seek to guide or assist you on this cause.