Research & Policy

APRN Scope of Practice 

Extending full scope of practice to nurse practitioners (NPs) in primary care increases healthcare access, but research examining barriers to NP practice has been limited. A study was designed by the Marian K. Shaughnessy Nurse Leadership Academy to examine the longitudinal impact of health-related outcomes in states that have immediately granted NPs full practice authority. The study uses econometric models and natural experiments to provide state-specific effect estimates for several health outcomes. The findings are expected to inform federal and state policy to improve healthcare accessibility, quality, and value in the US, especially for rural communities. The study will also provide primary care NPs the freedom to practice to the full extent of their educational/clinical preparation.

The findings of this research will be discussed at the APRN Scope of Practice Forum in April 2023.


Advanced Practice Registered Nurses Scope of Practice Forum

Presented by the Weatherhead School of Management, School of Medicine, and School of Law at Case Western Reserve University, and Marian K. Shaughnessy Nurse Leadership Academy April 20th – 21st, 2023 in Cleveland, OH.

The goal of the forum is to review the state of policy and research evidence regarding the scope of practice (SoP) of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) providing primary healthcare and develop policy arguments for removing barriers to practice.

  1. Share the policy analysis conducted by the CWRU APRN Scope of Practice research team including the state of APRN SoP policy development across the U.S.
  2. Share the research analysis conducted by the CWRU APRN Scope of Practice research team
  3. Discuss research, policy, and public awareness agendas to advance APRN scope of practice
  4. Develop recommendations to move the agenda at the state level and nationally 

With foundation support from the Charles Koch Foundation and Diana Davis Spencer Foundation, this forum is a part of the larger mission through the Marian K. Shaughnessy Nurse Leadership Academy to advance nurse leadership through policy.

Contact Evelyn Duffy, DNP, RN, AGPCNP-BC, FAANP, Scope of Practice Forum Co-Director with questions exd4@case.edu.