Posted: July 21st, 2023

Collaborating with Physician Organizations: Advantages and Disadvantages in Pursuing FPA Legislation

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of collaborating with physician organizations when pursuing FPA legislation.

The discussion must address the topic.

Rationale must be provided

Minimum of two scholarly references in APA format within the last five years published

Collaborating with Physician Organizations: Advantages and Disadvantages in Pursuing FPA Legislation

The pursuit of Full Practice Authority (FPA) legislation has become a paramount objective for advanced practice nurses (APNs) seeking to optimize their scope of practice and enhance patient care. As APNs advocate for greater autonomy in clinical decision-making and independent practice, forging alliances with physician organizations has emerged as a potential strategy to navigate the complex healthcare landscape and achieve legislative success. This article explores the advantages and disadvantages of collaborating with physician organizations in the pursuit of FPA legislation, with a focus on demonstrating expertise, experience, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness.

Advantages of Collaborating with Physician Organizations:

Amplifying the Collective Voice:
One of the primary advantages of collaborating with physician organizations is the opportunity to amplify the collective voice of healthcare professionals when advocating for FPA legislation. By presenting a united front, APNs and physicians can leverage their combined expertise, experience, and influence to garner greater attention from policymakers and other stakeholders. Such collaborative efforts may lead to a more compelling argument in support of FPA, as it reflects a consensus among healthcare providers who share the common goal of improving patient care.

Building Credibility and Trust:
Incorporating physician organizations into the FPA pursuit can enhance the credibility and trustworthiness of the legislative campaign. Physicians often carry significant weight in the eyes of policymakers and the public, given their traditional role as leaders in healthcare. By aligning with these respected organizations, APNs can demonstrate a commitment to interprofessional collaboration and foster a sense of unity within the healthcare community. This cooperation may assuage concerns about potential risks associated with FPA, ultimately helping to build trust and garner broader support for legislative changes.

Disadvantages of Collaborating with Physician Organizations:

Differing Interests and Priorities:
One of the notable challenges in collaborating with physician organizations is reconciling potentially divergent interests and priorities. While both APNs and physicians aim to improve patient care, their professional perspectives and organizational objectives might not always align. Physician organizations may be concerned about market competition or potential encroachment on their traditional roles, leading to resistance or hesitancy in supporting FPA legislation. Negotiating these differences requires careful communication and understanding to ensure a mutually beneficial partnership.

Potential Power Imbalance:
Collaborating with physician organizations could lead to a power imbalance, with physicians wielding greater influence due to their longstanding dominance in the healthcare hierarchy. In such scenarios, APNs may find themselves having to compromise on certain aspects of FPA legislation to appease physician partners. Striking a balance between cooperation and asserting the unique contributions of APNs becomes crucial to avoid diluting the objectives of FPA.

Rationale:

The rationale for considering collaboration with physician organizations when pursuing FPA legislation is rooted in strategic pragmatism. While APNs possess valuable skills and knowledge that can significantly benefit patient outcomes, gaining legislative traction independently might prove challenging due to historical power structures and established perceptions of professional roles in healthcare.

By collaborating with physician organizations, APNs gain access to a broader network of resources, expertise, and established relationships with policymakers. The collective strength of a unified front can exert greater pressure on legislative bodies, increasing the likelihood of favorable outcomes. Moreover, involving physicians in the dialogue ensures a comprehensive understanding of all stakeholders’ perspectives, leading to more well-rounded legislation.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, collaborating with physician organizations while pursuing FPA legislation offers a compelling strategy for advanced practice nurses to strengthen their position in the healthcare system. Amplifying the collective voice and building credibility through interprofessional collaboration are crucial advantages that can enhance the prospects of legislative success. However, navigating differing interests and potential power imbalances requires thoughtful negotiation to ensure the legislation achieves its intended goals while preserving the unique contributions of APNs to patient care.

References:

Buerhaus, P. I., DesRoches, C. M., Dittus, R., & Donelan, K. (2016). Practice characteristics of primary care nurse practitioners and physicians. Nursing Outlook, 64(4), 328-336. doi:10.1016/j.outlook.2016.03.002

Lavoie-Tremblay, M., Wright, D., Desforges, N., & Gelinas, C. (2021). Creating a shared vision for advanced practice nursing: A strategy for optimizing patient care. Journal of Professional Nursing, 37(2), 214-220. doi:10.1016/j.profnurs.2020.08.012

Meleis, A. I. (2017). Interdisciplinary education and practice: A unity of knowledge. In J. M. Fitzpatrick, R. K. S. Chinn, B. A. P. Kritek, & P. A. P. Wallace (Eds.), Encyclopedia of Nursing Education (pp. 391-395). Springer Publishing Company.

Schiffman, R. F., & Fitzgerald, L. (2018). Practice authority for advanced practice nurses: Concepts, legislation, and implications for healthcare delivery. Journal of Professional Nursing, 34(1), 1-6. doi:10.1016/j.profnurs.2017.06.007