Keywords

Prescribing, Malpractice, Nurse, Safety

Abstract

Florida is one of two states that do not allow ARNPs to prescribe controlled substances. The Florida Legislature has expressed concern regarding the safety of ARNPs prescribing controlled substances. The purpose of this study was to compare malpractice rates of ARNPs and physicians in states with and without controlled substance prescribing. The design was a direct comparison of malpractice rates in states with and without ARNP controlled substance prescriptive authority. Comparison of malpractice claims was made between physicians (MDs and DOs collectively) and ARNPs in the United States and by state ARNP prescribing authority. Comparison of malpractice claims was also made between Florida and states that were demographically similar. The results showed that ARNPs have significantly less malpractice than physicians in the United States. In addition, there were no significant differences in malpractice, whether or not the ARNP was allowed to prescribe controlled substances. Finally, ARNPs working in states that are demographically similar to Florida, but allowed to prescribe controlled substances had no significant increase in malpractice. This study showed that there is no increase in malpractice rates in states where ARNPs prescribe controlled substances, either fully or partially, supporting the hypothesis.

Notes

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Graduation Date

2010

Advisor

Rash, Elizabeth

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.)

College

College of Nursing

Department

Nursing

Degree Program

Nursing Practice

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

CFE0003212

URL

http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/etd/CFE0003212

Language

English

Release Date

August 2010

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Doctoral Dissertation (Open Access)

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Nursing Commons

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