Hospital Regulation of Pediatric-Focused Nurse Practitioners: A Multistate Survey

Abstract

The growing need for pediatric-focused providers remains unmatched by patient demands in acute care settings. Additional organizational restrictions above and beyond state scope of practice laws further limit the ability of nurse practitioners (NPs) to practice to the fullest extent of their training and education. Knowledge of scope of practice is essential for NPs, physicians, and hospital leadership to efficiently use NPs, decrease turnover, and promote access to care. This original research sought to describe hospital-level practice regulation and credentialing patterns across the southeastern United States and inform effective use of NPs at the organizational level.