Nurse practitioners reshaping healthcare
WSNA will continue to support efforts to promote the NP role in Washington state.
November 15, 2024 • 1 minute, 3 seconds to read
Nurse practitioners are one of the fastest growing occupations in the country and their meteoric rise is reshaping healthcare.
According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), there are over 385,000 practicing NPs in the United States, and the total number of nurse practitioners in the U.S. is only expected to grow. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 45% growth in the number of roles available between 2022 and 2032 – an increase of 118,600 jobs.
The number of practicing NPs residing in the state of Washington is 7,390 according to the Washington Center for Nursing.
Washington state law allows NPs to practice to the full extent of their licensure and training, but more needs to be done to improve the awareness of the NP role and the value they bring to our healthcare system, especially among individual health systems and institutions, says WSNA President and family nurse practitioner Justin Gill, DNP, RN, ARNP.
One concern, Gill said, is that NPs are often reimbursed at a lower rate when providing the same service as a physician by some private insurance companies, even though Washington Labor & Industries and Medicaid plans provide parity reimbursement. WSNA has supported legislative efforts, led by ARNPs United of Washington State, to require payment parity by health plans.
“WSNA will continue to support efforts to promote the NP role in Washington state. This week we celebrate and recognize this important group within the nursing profession!”
Check out WSNA’s continuing education module that provides information for ARNPs on the legal and regulatory requirements to maintain licensure and to practice in the Washington state professional practice environment.
And to network with more NPs, visit ARNPS United of Washington State.