For this discussion, students will explore legislation related to the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) role.  In addition, you will explore current legislative action regarding the RN/LPN role (multi-state licensure) with the expectation that should APRN compact licensure become a reality, the benefits would be comparable.

Critical Elements for a Class Discussion
Refer to the assignment instructions for details on required content, word limits, required references, due dates, Turnitin requirements, etc. Keep the focus on the intent of the assignment and do not allow yourself to drift too far.  The following critical elements should guide your postings:
    Prepare for the assignment by reviewing the module content and resources.  Students should demonstrate graduate-level understanding and analysis of the concepts and the relationships among ideas, identifying hidden assumptions or fallacies in reasoning.  Students are expected to demonstrate the ability to apply the principles or concepts in the lessons to real-life situations integrating implications for advanced practice.  Students should support their opinions with expert opinion through a deep dive into the literature validating thinking and/or broadening perspectives/understanding of the content.
    The original post should provide reflection and meaning by describing thoughtfully what the idea means, uncovering new insights.
    The online discussion should mimic a thoughtful classroom discussion.  Therefore, the student should demonstrate promptness and initiative in posting.
    The presentation of the post should demonstrate a clear and concise writing style appropriate to graduate-level work, utilizing appropriate terminology.
    Peer-reviewed references (meaning articles published in scholarly journals) should be your primary support in all posts and cited according to APA formatting guidelines.

Assignment Directions
Review the grading rubric for this assignment. Overall, points are awarded based on the quality of the posts and the degree to which the submissions contribute to class discussion. Postings should reflect application of the assigned lesson materials.  Peer-reviewed references and evidence (results of formal inquiry published in the literature) are your primary types of support and are necessary to develop posts as expected.
1. Describe HOW and WHY barring APRNs from full practice authority affects
(a) healthcare costs
(b) access to and/or delivery of care, and
(c) quality of care. 
Discuss each required factor individually ( DO NOT GROUP TOGETHER) and support your conclusions with current research data and examples.
2.  (A) Discuss several ways that the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) increases access to care while promoting public safety.  (The connections you include are up to you, but since we deal with natural disaster often on the gulf coast, you may consider addressing this in your discussion or our current global health crisis.) 
(b). Based on your research of both the NLC and APRN compact licensure, what impact can we anticipate APRN compact licensure to make if it comes into effect?  This may include client care, education, or administrative perspectives. 
3. Discuss the status of implementation of the APRN Consensus Model in my home state Georgia.  This section should include all of the following:
    (A) What titles are used for APRNs?  Are all four APRN roles recognized in your state?  If not, which roles are not recognized?
    (B) Is the term “licensure” used for APRN roles in your state?  If not, what term(s) are used?
    ( C ) Is a graduate or post graduate degree required in your state to practice in an advanced practice role?
    (D) Is national certification required in your state to practice in an advanced practice role?
    ( E ) Do APRN roles allow for independent practice in your state?  Not independent?  No authority?
    (F) Do the APRN roles allow for independent prescribing in your state?  Not independent?  No authority?
Please address each bullet point!!!
4. If you were responsible for evaluating positive change regarding the full realization of the APRN role, what outcomes would signify progression in the resolution of APRN barriers?  To answer this question, develop a
(a) patient-based outcome,
(b) system-based outcome,
(c) policy-based outcome
that would guide your evaluation into your discussion.  Provide support from the literature for each point that proves valid that the Consensus Model is working.  See the Outcome diagram attached for examples of each type of outcome.
5.  Identify and discuss legislation in Georgias legislature regarding the APRN role.  Include the bill number and title as applicable.
    Is there legislation currently being proposed in Georgias legislature regarding the APRN role?  Has there been previous state legislation that has failed?  To find out, do one of the following:
o    Go to your state board of nursing site and see what pending legislation is discussed there. You may begin by doing a web search for the name of your state and “current nursing legislation.”
o    Go to LegiScan.com (Links to an external site.) and search for current state legislation.  Use search terms such as “nurse”, “nursing”, “APRN,” etc. Discuss your findings.
o    Cite and reference legislation in APA format.

Textbook:

Tracy, M. F., & OGrady, E.T. (2018). Hamric and Hanson’s advanced practice nursing: An integrative approach (6th ed.). Saunders Elsevier.

Chapter 19: Maximizing APRN Power and Influencing Policy
Chapter 21: Reimbursement and Payment for APRN Services
Chapter 22: Understanding Regulatory, Legal, and Credentialing Requirements
Chapter 23: Integrative Review of APRN Outcomes and Performance Improvement Research

Additional Instructions for Discussions
    Each student will submit an initial discussion post of approximately 750-1000 words in the discussion.  Support your discussion with at least 5 references, the majority of which should be peer-reviewed. Primary references should be published within the last five (5) years 2016-2020. No title page is required.
    Use APA-style headings consistent with rubric order for initial post.
    Your initial post needs to be submitted to the turnitin.com website and edited accordingly.