Can nurse practitioners practice independently in my state?
Nurse practitioner practice authority varies by state. Check the AANP State Practice Environment map for your state’s current classification, then confirm the requirements with your state board of nursing.
Review prescribing authority, collaboration requirements, and any transition-to-practice conditions before opening or changing your practice.
Nurse practitioner practice authority defined
The categories above summarize the AANP framework. The requirements that apply to an individual practice depend on the state’s current laws and rules.
If your state requires a collaboration or supervision arrangement, confirm its specific terms with the relevant licensing board before providing care.
How NP practice authority is changing
Practice-authority laws have changed since this article was published. Older state counts should not guide a current start-up decision. Use the linked state resources to check enacted requirements rather than relying on predictions about future legislation.
Stay involved and stay compliant
Stay informed about proposed and enacted changes in your state. These rules affect how you practice, and professional associations can help you follow the legislative process. Confirm when a change takes effect before adjusting your practice.
What does the future hold for nurse practitioner independence?
Nurse practitioners play an important role in access to care. Discussions about independent practice continue, and the rules that govern your practice may change over time.
Make reviewing state requirements part of your practice planning and ongoing compliance work.
More guidance for practice owners
This article provides general information. Confirm requirements with your licensing board and qualified professional advisers before acting.
New Practice Resources
Use these guides and requestable resources to organize your start-up work. Our team can send resources that are not available as direct downloads. Confirm current pricing for paid products.
- Practice start-up checklist
- Medical practice pro forma guide
- Practice location analysis guide
- Practice employee handbookExplore the customizable handbook and contact PPS for current pricing.
- Medicare Enrollment Tutorials and Guidance
- Request: Medicare Wellness Forms
- Request: Physician Employment AgreementHave the agreement adapted to applicable law and your practice.
- Request: HIPAA and Mental Health Information Sharing
- Request: Practice OSHA Safety Plan Practice Kit
- Request: OSHA Workplace Injury Form
- Request: HIPAA Sharing of Information Notice
- Request: Checklist for Sharps Injury Prevention
- Request: Notice of Privacy Practices
- Request: HIPAA Release Form
- Request: HIPAA Privacy Assessment Checklist
- Medicare Bank Letter Template