With millions of children in the United States having reduced access to health care due to physician shortages, the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) is dedicated to showcasing that pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) across the country are equipped with the knowledge, training and licensure to bridge the gap in the care continuum to provide high-quality health care for all children. PNPs are educated to treat patients presenting with a multitude of illnesses and needs in various settings. The roles of the primary care PNP and acute care PNP are distinct and separate, defined by patient acuity rather than the health care setting.
Primary care PNPs are trained to enhance child health outcomes, support growth and development, and uphold the well-being and relationships of children, families and communities. The training acute care PNPs receive varies, allowing them to manage the care of children with complex medical conditions or serious injuries that demand urgent care to restore or maintain their patients’ health.
With both specialties delivering high-quality, evidence-based pediatric health care in their communities, these providers must be allowed to utilize the full extent of their specific educational preparation, board certification, and state licensure without restrictions upon the care they can provide.
“PNPs have a long-standing track record of providing high-quality care and advancing health outcomes for the populations they serve,” said NAPNAP President Daniel Crawford, DNP, ARNP, CPNP-PC, CNE, FAANP. “By highlighting the unique expertise of the acute and primary care PNP training and roles, we can better advocate for equitable access to PNP care and the removal of regulations that create unnecessary barriers to this care. Furthermore, we must commit to ongoing data collection, evaluation and dissemination related to our unique PNP roles to continue to demonstrate the value we bring to the healthcare system and communities we serve.”
NAPNAP emphasizes the importance of population-focused education, certification and licensure for primary and acute care PNPs, ensuring that these programs remain responsive to the evolving physical and mental health needs of children and the dynamic learning requirements of PNPs in diverse health care settings. Furthermore, NAPNAP is committed to addressing the issue of equitable access to care. By working to eliminate restrictive organizational and governmental regulations that hinder children’s access to qualified PNPs, children are more likely to receive the care they need. This advocacy includes addressing inefficiencies in care delivery and inequitable reimbursement structures.
The position statement is published in the September/October edition of NAPNAP’s Journal of Pediatric Health Care and can be accessed here.
Oct. 2, 2024
