Access to health care means having “the timely use of personal health services to achieve the best health outcomes” (IOM, 1993).
Due to the Governor’s Executive Order, Louisiana requirement for a collaborative practice agreement between NP and physician has been suspended since March 2020. With this suspension, Louisiana has fully enjoyed the benefits of Nurse Practitioners practicing to the fullest extent of their training. This has provided increased access to care to those who are most in need. Please help us continue this access by contacting your legislator about removing the antiquated barrier of the CPA.
APRN’s can provide access to care for the underserved populations of Louisiana when restrictive barriers to practice are removed.
How NP’s can assist in improving healthcare outcomes in Louisiana
1. Improved Access to Care
States with modernized licensure laws see growth in the recruitment of NPs to the state and higher numbers of NPs working in rural and underserved areas.
2. Streamlined Care Delivery
When needless regulatory practice burdens and restrictions are lifted, patients can more fully access the health care services NPs are educated and certified to provide.
3. Decreased Health Care Costs
NP-provided care is associated with decreased hospitalizations, decreased readmissions, and improved health status and health care outcomes.
4. Protected Patient Choice
Removal of regulatory practice barriers and restrictions will improve patient access to the health care services NPs are educated and certified to provide.
