Implementing Full Practice Authority for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses: A Case for Mitigating Critical Mental Health Services.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted some perverse health disparities that we know have long existed in the United States. Disparities related to access, affordability, and cultural appropriateness of care cannot be overemphasized. More importantly, disparities related to provider shortages continue to contribute to adverse patient outcomes, particularly in rural areas and other socioeconomically deprived communities.

Provider Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Utilization and Self-Auditing-A Pilot Study.

Background: Alabama has the highest prescription rate in the country. The national incidence of overdose deaths from prescription opioids exceeds the combined death rates from heroin and cocaine overdose. Monitoring prescription access should be an essential activity among providers and can be used to protect patient health and well-being.