The Impact of Nurse Practitioner Full Practice Authority on Chronic Condition-related Readmissions and Emergency Department Visits in the United States
Abstract
Chronic conditions affect over 60% of US adults and drive nearly 90% of the nation’s $4.9 trillion in annual health care costs. Nurse practitioners (NPs), particularly in Full Practice Authority (FPA) states, may be critical to improving outcomes and reducing health care burdens.
This study found that NP FPA is associated with slight reductions in chronic condition readmissions, particularly in rural areas. While DiD models showed limited policy-specific impact, IRR findings support FPA as a promising strategy to enhance chronic disease management and access to care. Future research should address model limitations and explore causal pathways.
Keywords
Nurse practitioners, Health Care Costs
Publication Date
2026
Document Type
Article
Place of Original Publication
Medical Care
Publication Information
64 Medical Care 192 (2026)
Repository Citation
Mehlman, Maxwell J.; Fiizpatrick, Joyce j.; Plemmons, Alicia; Duffy, Evelyn G.; Voturuba, Mark; Gerlick, Joshua A.; Davis, Summer; and Norgul, Allison A., "The Impact of Nurse Practitioner Full Practice Authority on Chronic Condition-related Readmissions and Emergency Department Visits in the United States" (2026). Faculty Publications. 2366.
https://scholarlycommons.law.case.edu/faculty_publications/2366
