Nurse practitioners (NPs) have increasingly become vital to healthcare delivery in the United States. Their advanced training and focus on patient-centered care enable them to provide primary and specialized services in various settings. As healthcare demands continue to rise, especially in underserved areas, it has become increasingly important to understand and refine the boundaries of NP practice.

The scope of practice for NPs is not a uniform national standard but rather a patchwork of state-level regulations. Depending on where an NP practices, their ability to diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, and manage patient treatment plans can vary widely. These variations are categorized into three levels: full, reduced, and restricted practice authority.

This regulatory framework c

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