Date of Award

Spring 5-31-2026

Document Type

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscript

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Tracie Gadler, DNP, APRN, ACHPN, RNFA, FNP-C

Abstract

The Nurse Practitioner (NP) profession has achieved many advancements in its autonomy and scope of practice in the last 61 years since becoming a recognized advanced practice registered nursing role. However, some areas of healthcare still limit the NPs ability to practice autonomously even though it is within their scope of practice. This is notable in the subspecialty of hospice care with regards to certifying a terminal diagnosis as part of eligibility determination for a Medicare beneficiary to be able to receive covered hospice services. This health policy paper reviews current hospice regulations and provides evidence to support the benefits of advancing NP scope of practice and autonomy to include the ability to certify terminal diagnoses. The goal of this health policy paper is successful change in federal legislation, allowing NPs to practice to the full extent of their scope and improving access to the provision of hospice care.

Download

Share

COinS