AFP Applauds Order Allowing Nurse Practitioners to Practice Full Scope of Training

Apr 23, 2020 by AFP

Executive order ends collaborative agreements for nurse practitioners, expands access to care for Kansans amid COVID-19 pandemic

TOPEKA, Kansas – Americans for Prosperity-Kansas (AFP-KS) applauded Governor Kelly’s recent executive order that removes collaborative agreements for nurse practitioners. This targeted action will allow these health care professionals to practice the full scope of their training, increasing the number of health care workers who can treat the rise of sick Kansans due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Earlier this month, the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts issued guidance for healthcare professionals outlining actions the state should take to increase access to care during the COVID-19 crisis. It did not include removing collaborative practice agreements, which the Governor included in this recent order.

AFP-KS State Director Elizabeth Patton issued the following statement:

“To ensure Kansans have access to health care services now and in the future, it is crucial to remove unnecessary restrictions and allow communities to activate providers in the way that meets their needs. The guidance issued from the Board of Healing Arts was a good first step, and we appreciate the governor going even further in addressing a practical policy reform which benefits Kansans.

“Removing collaborative agreements for nurse practitioners will allow these professionals to immediately practice to the full scope of their training. This will increase the number of health care professionals Kansans can reach out to for care during this unprecedented health care crisis.”