Nurse Practitioner Scope of Practice

A nurse practitioner's scope of practice refers to the range of healthcare services they are authorized to provide based on their training and licensure. They can evaluate patients, diagnose illnesses, develop treatment plans, prescribe medications, and perform certain procedures. Their scope varies by state or country regulations, but generally includes many responsibilities similar to those of a doctor, especially in primary care. Nurse practitioners work independently or collaboratively with healthcare teams to improve patient access and outcomes, emphasizing health promotion, disease prevention, and comprehensive care within their authorized roles.