How Arizona defines the NP role
A.R.S. § 32-1601 defines a registered nurse practitioner as a registered nurse who is certified by the Board of Nursing, has completed a Board-recognized nurse practitioner education program, and (for those certified after July 1, 2004) holds national certification from a recognized body. The definition includes diagnosing, performing diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and prescribing within the scope of NP practice.
What it allows in practice
- Practicing without a collaborative agreement with a physician.
- Prescribing, including controlled substances with the appropriate DEA registration.
- Owning and operating a practice.
- Serving as the clinical authority, including as medical director, for a practice within NP scope.
What it does not mean
Full practice authority is not unlimited scope. The same statutory definition expects the NP to recognize the limits of their knowledge and experience and to consult or refer when a situation is beyond them. Competence in a specific procedure still has to come from training and supervised practice. See scope of practice.
AANP's Arizona page lists the state as full practice, with the Board of Nursing as the regulatory agency and requirements of an RN license, a graduate degree in an NP role and national certification.
What it does and does not change
Full practice authority removes a required physician agreement for NPs in states that grant it. It does not remove the need to stay within your certification, training and competence, or the need for sound protocols and insurance. Many NP-owned practices still engage a medical director for oversight.
Common mistakes
- Reading it as unlimited scope.
- Skipping protocols because no physician is required.
- Assuming other states work the same way.
Frequently asked
Does full practice authority mean an NP can do any procedure?
No. It removes the requirement for physician oversight of NP practice, but each procedure must still be within the NP's education, training and demonstrated competence.
Can an NP in Arizona be a medical director?
Arizona NPs hold independent prescriptive authority, which is the basis for serving as the clinical authority for a practice. A real directorship also requires protocols, orders and chart review. We explain the details in our guide on NP medical directors.
Educational information only, not legal or clinical advice. Rules and Board positions change, so confirm current requirements with the relevant Arizona licensing board and an Arizona healthcare attorney.