Question

A nurse is completing the degree requirements for an advanced practice role as a nurse practitioner and is concerned about certification requirements. Which statement concerning certification for advanced practice is true?

1) All states require certification for all specialty roles that are identified as advanced practice.
2) Nurse anesthetists and nurse-midwives are the only advanced practice role that require certification in the state nurse practice acts.
3) Scope of practice remains unclear in state nurse practice acts due to the increasing number of new advanced practice roles.
4) Certification is automatic when the nurse applies for an advanced practice license.

Answer 1

Certification is required in all states for specialty roles identified as advanced practice, not just for nurse anesthetists and nurse-midwives. Certification is not automatic and must be obtained after completing the necessary education and training.

Step-by-step explanation:

In addressing the question of which statement concerning certification for advanced practice is true, it is important to note that advanced practice roles, such as nurse practitioners, typically require substantial education and certification. The most accurate statement is that all states require certification for all specialty roles that are identified as advanced practice. This is because healthcare professions often require a license or formal certification to ensure a high standard of care and to protect patient safety. As for nurse anesthetists and nurse-midwives, they are indeed among those roles that always require certification, but they are not the only ones. With the growth in healthcare roles, particularly due to an aging population, clear scopes of practice and certification criteria are increasingly important. However, certification is not automatic upon applying for an advanced practice license; it is an additional step that must be undertaken separately following the completion of the requisite education and training.