State Policy
Restrictive APRN Regulations Drive Nurse Migration Across State Lines
Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) are relocating from states with restrictive scope-of-practice regulations to states with more permissive practice authority. These nurses provide critical access to care in underserved areas where physician shortages exist. State-level variations in APRN regulations affect workforce availability and access to services. The migration patterns may exacerbate provider shortages in states with stricter regulations while benefiting states that grant APRNs greater practice independence.
Why it mattersMedicaid managed care organizations operating in states with restrictive APRN regulations face greater network adequacy challenges and higher provider costs as nurses relocate to states with less restrictive scope-of-practice laws.