Consensus Model for APRN Regulation: Licensure, Accreditation, Certification and Education
The model for APRN regulation is the product of substantial work conducted by the Advanced Practice Nursing Consensus Work Group and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) APRN Committee. While these groups began work independent of each other, they came together through representatives of each group participating in what was labeled the APRN Joint Dialogue Group. The outcome of this work has been unanimous agreement on most of the recommendations included in this document. In a few instances, when agreement was not unanimous a 66% majority was used to determine the final recommendation. However, extensive dialogue and transparency in the decision-making process is reflected in each recommendation.
Historical Overview
In July 2008, the AACN Board of Directors endorsed the Consensus Model for APRN Regulation: Licensure, Accreditation, Certification and Education. AACN and the NCSBN facilitated the consensus-building process used to develop this model. This landmark document defines APRN practice, describes the APRN regulatory model, identifies the titles to be used, defines specialty, describes the emergence of new roles and population foci, and presents strategies for implementation. This content is discussed in the context of the four APRN roles: certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), certified nurse-midwife (CNM), clinical nurse specialist (CNS), and certified nurse practitioner (CNP). The culmination of a four-year effort, this model for APRN regulation is the product of collaborative work conducted by the Advanced Practice Nursing Consensus Work Group and the NCSBN APRN Committee. AACN member institutions with APRN programs are encouraged to download this document and share it with faculty and other stakeholders.
LACE Frequently Asked Questions
APRN LACE Website and Network
Letters regarding changes to certification exams related to implementation of the Consensus Model for APRN Regulation:
Slides
Implementing the APRN Consensus Model: LACE (2013)
Joan Stanley, PhD, Senior Director of Educational Policy, and AACN representative to the APRN Work and LACE Network
Implementing the APRN Consensus Model: An Update on CCNE Accreditation (2013)
Jennifer Butlin, EdD, Executive Director, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Implementing the Consensus Model for APRN Regulation: Licensure, Accreditation, Certification, and Education (2013)
Diane Thompkins, MS, Assistant Director, Certification Services, American Nurses Credentialing Center
Progress in Adopting the Consensus Model of APRN Regulation, Licensure, Certification, and Education (2013)
Maureen Cahill, MSN, Associate, Campaign for Consensus, National Council of State Boards of Nursing
APRN Education: Implementation of the Consensus Model and LACE Network (2011)
Joan Stanley, PhD, Senior Director of Educational Policy, and AACN representative to the APRN Work and LACE Network
Implementation of the APRN Consensus Model From the Accreditation Perspective (2011)
Jennifer Butlin, EdD, Director, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
APRN Education: Implementation of the Consensus Model (2011)
Diane L. Thompkins, MS, RN, Assistant Director, Certification,The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
Consensus Model for APRN Regulation: Licensure, Accreditation, Certification, Education (2008)
Jean Johnson, PhD, FAAN, RN
APRN Consensus Process Work Group Report (2006)
Jean Johnson, PhD, FAAN, RN
Update on the Doctor of Nursing Practice (2006)
Joan Stanley, PhD, CRNP, FAAN