CNSs should be granted full authority to operate within their scope of practice to meet our nation's need for access to care. Working with physicians, physician assistants and other APRNs we are committed to provide care to patients.  Our nation's aging population brings the access to care crisis to the top of our healthcare system’s priority list. 

There are savings to be considered as the prescribing CNS saves patients and facilities time and money by eliminating the number of visits required by the patient to obtain needed prescriptions therefore contributing to medication compliance.  Additionally,  There are savings in the health care system that can be accrued; the prescribing CNS can save time and money by not needing the patient to make another visit to a physician or other prescriber in order to get needed prescriptions. CNSs also prescribe nonpharmacological treatments and devices such as durable medical equipment and function as consultants to other providers.  

Although this is not an exhaustive list of patient and facility benefits to be realized by granting full authority of practice, it is a statement to the increasing demands of high-quality health care that should drive policy makers to ensure that health care providers, including all APRNs, are working to the full extent of their education and practice.