To the Editor:
Your editorial, “Expanding nurse practitioner independence smart policy” is correct in pointing out that advanced practice registered nurses, APRNs, can be a significant part of the solution to the healthcare provider shortage looming in Connecticut, and indeed, the entire nation.
Tweny-one states now allow APRNs to practice without written practice agreements. It was time for Connecticut to join these ranks. States with improved practice laws for APRNs are reporting increased license applications from APRNs in more restrictive states. The American Medical Association’s and Connecticut State Medical Society’s concerns are unfounded. Research studies support that APRNs are safe, high quality, cost effective healthcare providers.
To correct one bit of misinformation in your editorial, there was no need for the legislature to extensively define APRN education in the new law. That was already covered in the previous statute and carries over. APRNs have been for many years, and will continue to be, trained and educated at the masters, and doctoral levels, and must be board certified to practice in Connecticut.
As for physicians’ concerns about patients leaving their practices to go to APRNs, there are more than enough people in need of health care to go around.
Sincerely,
Joy Elwell, associate clinical professor, UConn School of Nursing