Full Practice Authority

Information and resources
for modernizing healthcare
in North Carolina

Expanding coverage does not automatically expand access, but there is a no-cost solution that can help immediately.

Savings could surpass
$1 billion annually

Healthcare policy is not solely a medical issue — it is an economic issue. Healthcare access, workforce availability and stability, employer costs and regulatory modernization directly affect business growth and employer competitiveness.

Stakeholders
Business leaders and employers
Chambers of Commerce
Economic development organizations
Industry and trade associations

Coverage expanded, but provider capacity didn’t

Almost 700,000 residents gained health insurance through Medicaid expansion, but the healthcare system did not add provider capacity fast enough to meet this surge in demand – especially in rural and underserved areas.

Stakeholders
Community and faith leaders
Patient advocacy organizations
Rural community leaders
Local civic and nonprofit leaders

Most states modernized, North Carolina hasn’t

Modernizing outdated regulations that restrict how APRNs practice is one of the most efficient, affordable and proven ways to expand access — without adding bureaucracy, reducing quality or increasing taxpayer burden.

Stakeholders
Business leaders and employers
Chambers of Commerce
Policy and advocacy organizations
Healthcare systems and industry leaders

The demand for services rose faster than the supply

The provider shortage is accelerating, driven by retirements, burnout, training bottlenecks and consolidation within healthcare systems. Rural and underserved communities feel this pressure first and most severely.

Stakeholders
Hospitals and health systems
Healthcare workforce and staffing leaders
Rural health organizations
Employer and business leaders

Expanded access worked when we needed it most

During COVID and Hurricane Helene, North Carolina temporarily removed or relaxed restrictive supervision requirements so qualified providers could respond more quickly. These real-world tests showed how full practice authority can work.

Stakeholders
Healthcare professionals and clinical leaders
Policy and research organizations
Advocacy organizations
Healthcare systems leadership