The reduced-practice authority in New Jersey places a burden on NPs and somewhat restricts their ability to meet all patient needs. This limitation can have significant implications for patient care, particularly in the emergency department (ED) setting. In my experience working at one of the top-ranked hospitals in New Jersey, I have observed the impact of these restrictions firsthand.
For instance, when I was floated to the Emergency Department, I was struck by the number of patients lying on stretchers in the hallways, some of whom had been waiting for hospital beds for over 30 hours. Many of these patients came to the ED because they lacked a primary care provider, and their untreated conditions had become severe. While NPs in the ED contribute to reducing disparities by providing more timely access to care, their ability to intervene is somewhat limited by the need for physician oversight. This can delay necessary interventions and exacerbate healthcare disparities, particularly in underserved communities (Pittman et al., 2020).
Addressing Healthcare Disparities
Healthcare disparities are complex and multifaceted, particularly in the ED setting. NPs play a crucial role in addressing these disparities by providing continuity of care, educating patients, and ensuring that no one is discharged without follow-up instructions. However, the limitations imposed by reduced-practice authority can hinder the effectiveness of NPs in this role.
Despite these challenges, NPs in New Jersey are well-positioned to contribute to reducing healthcare disparities. As the state continues to amend its regulations and expand the scope of practice for NPs, there is potential for NPs to have an even greater impact on improving access to care and addressing disparities, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
In conclusion, while the reduced-practice authority in New Jersey presents challenges, the state has made significant progress in expanding the role of NPs. As the state continues to follow the lead of neighboring states like New York, there is hope that NPs in New Jersey will eventually be granted full practice authority, enabling them to provide the full scope of care they are educated and trained to deliver.
References
- Black, B. (2022). State of New York grants full and direct access to nurse practitioners. American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Retrieved from www.aanp.org/news-feed/state-of-new-york-grants-full-and-direct-access-to-nurse-practitioners#:~:text=New%20York%20joins%2024%20other,and%20clinically%20trained%20to%20provide
- Neff, D. F., Yoon, S. H., Steiner, R. L., Bejleri, I., Bumbach, M. D., Everhart, D., & Harman, J. S. (2018). The impact of nurse practitioner regulations on population access to care. Nursing Outlook, 66(4), 379–385.