Wisconsin Nursing Practice Certification and Licensure

Wisconsin Nursing Practice Certification and Licensure

In the state of Wisconsin, the process of certifying and licensing nurse practitioners (NPs) involves several steps. To become certified as an NP, you must first graduate from an accredited master’s, postgraduate, or doctoral degree program and hold an active registered nurse (RN) license. This certification can be obtained by applying for an exam with either the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), as outlined by Leik (2021).

Regarding NP licensure, it is crucial to note that the rules and regulations governing it are specific to the state of Wisconsin and can be somewhat challenging to locate. In Wisconsin, the requirements for NP licensure include submitting an application along with a fee, providing evidence of current RN licensure, possessing current NP certification from a certifying body, holding a master’s or doctoral degree, and completing 45 contact hours in clinical pharmacology, as stated by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (2021).

State-Specific Scope of Practice for Family Practice Nurse Practitioners and Practice Limitations

In Wisconsin, family practice nurse practitioners (NPs) do not have a distinct scope of practice separate from that of registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs). To practice as an NP in Wisconsin, collaboration with a medical doctor or doctor of osteopathic medicine is required, and the prescribing of schedule II drugs is limited. It’s important to emphasize that Wisconsin NPs can never practice independently and are not designated as primary care providers, according to NCLS (n.d.).

Nurse Practitioner Prescriptive Authority and DEA Registration Processes

NURS 6512 week 2 discussion – BK is a 16-year-old Caucasian female

For nurse practitioners (NPs) in Wisconsin, prescriptive authority is restricted to schedule II drugs. If an NP wishes to prescribe controlled substances, they must obtain a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) number. The process for obtaining a DEA number involves options such as applying online, contacting DEA Headquarters by phone, or submitting DEA Form 222a, as described by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (n.d.).

Legislative and Advocacy Activities Related to Nurse Practitioner Practice

In Wisconsin, nurse practitioners (NPs) have been actively engaged in advocating for legislative updates. These efforts aim to achieve independent practice, recognition as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), and the establishment of a clear definition and scope of practice. The Wisconsin Nurses Association (2021) reports ongoing hearings in Wisconsin legislation regarding these matters.

Key Concepts of Professional Issues Related to Nurse Practitioner Practice

Several professional issues are associated with nurse practitioner (NP) practice. These include perceptions of a presumed lack of education, experience, and knowledge to care for patients. However, studies, as noted by Buttaro et al. (2021) and Moldestad et al. (2020), demonstrate that NPs provide holistic, safe, and cost-effective care. When faced with complex cases, NPs leverage available resources to ensure appropriate patient care.

References

American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (n.d.). How to get information about obtaining a DEA number. Retrieved August 31, 2021, from https://www.aanp.org/practice/practice-management/business-resources-for-nurse-practitioners/how-to-order-a-dea-number

Buttaro, T. M., Polgar-Bailey, P., Sandberg-Cook, J., & Trybulski, J. (2021). Primary care: Interprofessional collaborative practice (6th ed.). Elsevier.

Leik, M. T. C. (2021). Adult-gerontology nurse practitioner certification: Intensive review (4th ed.). Springer Publishing Company.

Moldestad, M., Greene, P. A., Sayre, G. G., Neely, E. L., Sulc, C. A., Sales, A. E., Reddy, A., Wong, E. S., & Liu, C. (2020). Comparable, but distinct: Perceptions of primary care provided by physicians and nurse practitioners in full and restricted practice authority states. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 76(11), 3092–3103. https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1111/jan.14501

NCSL. (n.d.) State overview: Wisconsin. Retrieved August 31, 2021, from https://scopeofpracticepolicy.org/states/wi/

Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. (July 2021). Board of nursing. Retrieved August 31, 2021 from https://dsps.wi.gov/Credentialing/Health/fm2124.pdf

Wisconsin Nurses Association. (August 2021). APRN modernization act 2021. Retrieved August 31, 2021, from https://www.wisconsinnurses.org/aprn-modernization-act-2021/