explain the different practice states

[8-ball, BSN]

Can someone send me a link or explain to me the difference in practice states (full practice, reduced practice, and Restricted) for NPs. I am hoping to go to NP school next year and I am thinking of opening up my own practice in a rural setting one day. The thing is I don't know or yet care what state I settle in. I am currently a travel nurse and have enjoyed this but I do want to settle down soon. I found the map outling which states have different practice ability. It seems if i wanted my own practice I would need to work in a full practice state...is this correct? Also do these states ever change the laws regarding this. For example say I set up practice in Washington (currently full practice) is there a possibility it may change to a reduced practice or restricted in the future. How would that affect my practice? Could I do this in a reduced practice state? I am not planning on having a big staff at all or anything like that I was hoping to really just have a small rural clinic with myself as the only employee, possibly even make house calls with no real office.

Thanks

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Great info at American Association of Nurse Practitioners

State Practice Environment

Quick reference guide on licensure and regulatory requirements, as well as practice environment details, for all 50 states and the U.S. Territories.

Map: AANP - State Practice By Type

State list: All States in Alphabetical Order

[Corey Narry, MSN, RN, NP]

The map that you found and the one NRSKarenRN linked to is the easiest and most reliable way to look at various state nurse practice acts that explain how NP's set up their practice. Historically, states that have passed laws for independent practice have remained independent practice states and not have laws rescinded as you were asking about. The fact is, more states are actually passing independent NP practice laws as we go into the future rather than the other way around. If you happen to settle in a non-independent practice state, you can still, in most cases, practice as a sole primary care provider in a clinic because in many cases the collaborating physician is not required to be on-site and in fact in some cases, just reviews your charts. It's kind of a silly arrangement really and it's one reason why NP's are pushing for full independence.