Quality Assurance Guideposts for Nurse Practitioners

The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) established principles for practice that detail actions within the nurse practitioner (NP) range of services. According to the Internet "Journal of Advanced Nursing Practice," principles cover qualifications, patient advocacy, documentation, treatments and care and environment. NPs must abide by standard practice agreements, which are usually specified by state authorities. Collaborative responsibilities with physicians and continued education on emerging health issues are also necessary requirements.

New Standards

• NPs will continually be at the forefront of evolving 21st century health care systems, according to the AANP. As of 2012, NPs must meet new quality assurance standards based on their expertise and patient relationships. One new standard deals with research. NPs will be permitted and encouraged to conduct original research to present findings influencing guidelines, models of care, NP marketability and standing policies. NPs will be required to increase their involvement on provider panel boards and boards taking part in medical research endowments in both the public and private sector.

Collaborative Relationships

• NPs must maintain collaborative relationships with primary supervising physicians. According to guideposts established by the state of North Carolina, collaborative practice agreement between NPs and physicians must undergo bi-annual reviews and will update all pharmaceuticals, equipment, treatments and tests that may be recommended, ordered and conducted by the nurse practitioner. NPs must be prepared to identify and discuss clinical problems and to evaluate current office treatments and office procedures.

Continued Education

• NPs must adhere to continually advancing their knowledge on new and emerging health issues. An example of this would be nephrology studies, according to Med Scape. Nephrology is a field related to obesity. As adult and childhood obesity steadily increases so does the rise of chronic kidney disease and renal replacement therapy. NPs becoming educated on kidney replacement and end-stage renal disease will prove a critical asset to outpatient dialysis clinics. NPs will become involved in patient interventions and treatment recommendations to expedite medical care needs and reduce mortality rates.