The VA Issues Final Ruling On APRN Practice

 On December 13, 2016,  the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) issued a final rule regarding Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) providing clinical care in the Veterans Health Administration. The rule grants three of the four APRN roles (nurse practitioners, certified nurse-midwives, and clinical nurse specialists) the ability to practice to the full extent of their education and training, but does not include certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs). The VA has provided an additional 30-day comment period on full practice authority for CRNAs.