South Dakota just became 22nd state to have Full Practice Authority!

Dear AANP member,

2017 is off to a strong start for patient access to NP care. States all across the nation are looking to improve the health of their residents, and today, South Dakota took a strong positive step in that direction.

South Dakota has just become the 22nd state in the nation, plus the District of Columbia, to have Full Practice Authority for Nurse Practitioners!

With the signing of Senate Bill 61, South Dakota Governor Daugaard and legislators are bringing full and direct access to NP care to South Dakota patients. AANP congratulates the entire state and all of those NPs and other stakeholders who educated the public and policymakers on the benefits of bringing Full Practice Authority to the State.

Here’s the updated AANP 2017 Nurse Practitioner State Practice Environment Map.

This marks the eighth state to gain Full Practice Authority with support from AANP in the last few years. These efforts would not be possible without strategic and powerful engagement from NPs, nursing coalition partnerships, and other advocates in the states. We encourage you to check out AANP’s Legislative Tracking Center and to connect with one of the AANP NP Organization Members in your state to get involved and support legislative improvements in your state!

Thank you for belonging to AANP. Our strength is due to members like you who help support our patients and our profession.

Thank you,

Cindy Cooke
AANP President

The Voice of the Nurse Practitioner®