Most voters said they would be more likely to vote for a legislator who agreed to remove restrictions against NPs.
Nearly three-fourths of Kansans back state legislation that makes it easier for patients to choose nurse practitioners (NPs) as their primary care providers, a new poll reveals.
If enacted into law, House Bill 2279 would make Kansas the 25th state to give patients full and direct access to NP-delivered care through full practice authority (FPA), which eliminates the requirement for NPs to have a government-mandated written practice agreement with a physician.
Full practice authority legislation, which has been embraced by the National Academy of Medicine, National Governors Association, American Enterprise Institute, and many others, has been adopted in 24 states, streamlining healthcare delivery by granting patients full and direct access to the comprehensive services NPs are educated and clinically prepared to provide.
The National Academy of Medicine's The Future of Nursing 2020-2030 report recommends that nurses be allowed to "practice to the full extent of their education and training by removing barriers that prevent them from more fully addressing social needs and social determinants of health and improving healthcare access, quality, and value."
The Kansas poll, conducted by the Mellman Group February 16-21, shows broad bipartisan support. In fact, support extends across key demographics for the state, including gender, age, party identification, and regions of the state.
Furthermore, most voters said they would be more likely to vote for a legislator who agreed to remove these restrictions.
"Despite the state's years of investment in physician residency and loan repayment programs, Kansans continue to face serious primary care and mental health access challenges," says April Kapu, DNP, APRN, ACNP-BC, FAANP, FCCM, FAAN, president of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
"The data shows that Kansas patients are seeking NP-delivered care, and they want the legislature to modernize policies to allow them to choose NPs," Kapu says. "It's time for Kansas to retire these barriers that limit patient choice and access to NPs. Kansans want to implement tried-and-tested policies already embraced by nearly half the nation."
Nearly 781,000 Kansans live in a federally designated primary care health professional shortage area where only about 52% of the need for primary care services is met, according to the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration. Even more alarming, mental health professional shortages affect more than 1.3 million Kansans, with just 32.74% of the need being met.
"This is a no-cost, no-delay solution that immediately cuts red tape in our state’s health system," says Christie Kriegshauser, director of political affairs for the Kansas Chamber of Commerce. "We know 24 other states with this model in place are, frankly, more competitive. They have better access to care and more choices available for their patients."
The state Senate passed the bill this week by a vote of 30-7. It now moves over to the state House for approval.
“It's time for Kansas to retire these barriers that limit patient choice and access to NPs.”
April Kapu, DNP, APRN, ACNP-BC, FAANP, FCCM, FAAN, president of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)
Carol Davis is the Nursing Editor at HealthLeaders, an HCPro brand.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Kansas House Bill 2279 would give nurse practitioners (NPs) full practice authority.
If enacted into law, Kansas would become the 25th state to grant full practice authority to NPs.
The new law would boost healthcare in an area where only about 52% of the need for primary care services is being met.