Which of the following best describes the scope of APRN practice?

• A. APRNs have limited practice with no prescriptive authority.
• B. APRNs have expanded practice authority; can perform assessment, diagnosis, and treatment under protocols or collaborative agreements with physicians, including prescriptive authority in many cases.
• C. APRNs must always operate under direct physician supervision for all diagnoses.
• D. APRNs only provide preventive care.

Answer: (B)

The scope of APRN practice is expanded beyond basic nursing duties to include independent clinical responsibilities within a collaborative framework. APRNs can perform comprehensive assessments, establish diagnoses, and provide treatment plans, and they often order and interpret tests and prescribe medications. This authority typically comes under protocols or collaborative agreements with a physician, and prescriptive authority is included in many cases, subject to state rules. It is broader than just preventive care and does not require direct, on-site physician supervision for every patient or task in all situations. This reflects the real-world practice where advanced training allows APRNs to manage patient care within approved collaborative or protocol-based frameworks, including prescribing when allowed.