NCSBN Posts National APRN Maps on Progress Toward Regulatory Uniformity on ncsbn.org

CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwire - Nov 14, 2011) - As part of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing's (NCSBN) campaign to promote adoption of the Consensus Model for APRN Regulation: Licensure, Accreditation, Certification and Education, a series of maps that chart the progress of U.S. jurisdictions toward uniformity is now posted at www.ncsbn.org/2567.htm.

The APRN Consensus Model seeks to develop greater consistency amongst jurisdictions in regard to laws and rules relating to the regulation of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). The implementation of this model will help to alleviate the variations that include everything from the actual title used by an APRN to what medications he/she may prescribe. Using the strong foundation of effective licensure and regulation of APRNs that boards of nursing have already built, this campaign seeks to more effectively align the education, accreditation, certification and licensure of APRNs to continue to ensure patient safety and also expand patient access to care.

These new maps contain the following information regarding each jurisdiction and are periodically updated as APRN laws change:

• The title used to represent APRNs in each jurisdiction;
• Whether all four APRN roles (certified registered nurse anesthetists [CRNAs], certified nurse-midwives [CNMs], clinical nurse specialists [CNSs] and certified nurse practitioners [CNPs]) are recognized in the state/territory;
• Which jurisdictions use the term "license" in authorizing APRN practice;
• Whether a graduate degree or post-graduate certificate is a requirement to practice in the APRN role;
• Whether national certification is a requirement to practice in the advanced role;
• Whether each of the four roles is granted independent practice; and
• Whether each of the four roles can independently prescribe.

For more information about the Campaign for APRN Consensus visit NCBSN's website at www.ncsbn.org/aprn.htm.

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) is a not-for-profit organization whose members include the boards of nursing in the 50 states, the District of Columbia and four U.S. territories -- American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands and the Virgin Islands. There are also nine associate members.

Mission: NCSBN provides education, service and research through collaborative leadership to promote evidence-based regulatory excellence for patient safety and public protection.

The statements and opinions expressed are those of NCSBN and not the individual member state or territorial boards of nursing.