Nurse Practitioners: Scope of Practice by State

Where does your state stand on NP practice?

Scope of practice details the activities licensed medical professionals are legally permitted to perform in their practice area. Nurse practitioner scope of practice varies by state, outlining the ability to practice with or without physician oversight or prescribe medication. As a nurse practitioner, it’s essential to understand the state laws and regulations that govern and guide you as you practice.

The map below reflects the latest NP scope of practice by state, provided by the NCSL Scope of Practice Policy. Hover over your state to view policies in two primary areas: practice authority and prescriptive authority. For more detail, click your state or territory.

For more information regarding specific state policy laws not listed here, refer to your state’s Nurse Practice Act. 

Updated 8/7/2023.

  • Physician relationship required.
  • Full independent practice and prescriptive authority.
  • Transition to independent practice and prescribing period required.
  • Full independent practice authority but physician relationship required for prescriptive authority.
  • Full independent practice authority but transition to independent prescribing period.

Practice authority details a nurse practitioner’s ability to practice with or without physician oversight. Prescriptive authority refers to a nurse practitioner’s authority to prescribe medications. Some states require NPs to complete a transition to practice period before practicing or prescribing independently. 

Need help with licensing? Ask our experts.

Visit Our Resource Center

Connect With Us

Privileging.

Once you and our client agree to move forward with your assignment, our privileging team will assist you and the client in gathering information required by the healthcare facility to grant clinical privileges.

1

We contact the facility’s Medical Service Office (MSO) for their application and requirements.

2

We will assist you by pre-populating the facility’s application and sending to the MSO.

3

We will assist the board by following up on requested items.

4

MSO will grant privileges based on your training and experience, and you will be able to start your assignment.

Maggie Youmans

Senior Vice President, Sales

As Senior Vice President, Maggie oversees several key specialty divisions and adjacent teams. With a demonstrated history of leading teams and developing individuals across the organization, she is dedicated to inspiring, challenging and empowering associates to achieve their personal and professional goals. 

Maggie earned degrees in marketing and management focused on consumer economics from the University of Georgia, Terry College of Business. She enjoys traveling with her husband to visit different bed and breakfasts. Together, they have been able to see the beauty within their own backyard and across the country.

Connect with Maggie on LinkedIn.

Anne Anderson

Executive Vice President

"I'm passionate about the locum tenens industry - we make a real difference in the lives of both our heroic healthcare providers and the patients they treat."

Anne has been at the forefront of the evolution of locum tenens for more than 35 years. She’s a respected leader with expertise in corporate operations, risk management, credentialing, and travel services. Before joining Jackson + Coker, she served as Executive Vice President at Medical Doctor Associates, part of Cross Country Healthcare. 

An ardent industry advocate, Anne served several years on the Board of the National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations (NALTO), including two years as president. 

Anne received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Spring Hill College. She is also a PADI open water diver and enjoys scuba diving. 

Connect with Anne on LinkedIn.