The Consensus Model for APRN Regulation: Review and update

T he current policy and demographic environment poses expanded opportunities for ad­ vanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). Expan­ sion of Medicaid eligibility in most states, and in­ creased access to affordable health insurance promised by the Health Insurance Exchanges creat­ ed through the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), signal an increase in the number of individuals seeking healthcare services at all lev­ els. Likewise, changing demographics indicate a need for improved efficiency and care coordination so as to better manage and maintain rising num­ bers of aging patients with multiple chronic condi­ tions. APRNs, including certified nurse practitioners (CNPs), certified nurse midwives (CNMs), clinical nurse specialists (CNSs), and certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), care for patients across the healthcare continuum. These health­ care practitioners (HCPs) are ready and able to provide high­quality care for a growing and ever­more­complex patient population.