Analysis of nurse practitioner scope of practice in Taiwan using the Longest policy cycle model.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To date, there has been no policy analysis or review of the effectiveness of the current nurse practitioner (NP) scope of practice regulations in Taiwan. The purpose is of this article was to provide a policy analysis of the NP scope of practice regulations in Taiwan.

METHODS: The Longest policy cycle model was used to analyze the NP scope of practice regulations. Policy formation, policy implementation, and policy modification are three steps in this model. Policy formation and policy implementation are described in the first two sections. Regarding policy modification, we used the data collected from a research grant to evaluate the implementation of the NP scope of practice regulations to present the effectiveness of the policy endorsement in Taiwan.

CONCLUSIONS: The impact of health care services provided by NPs was positive from hospital sides. The top-ranking impact was reducing physicians' workload and increasing the effectiveness of communication and coordination among the team.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The economic value of advanced practice nurses needs to be identified, as it can result in optimal professional growth. The Taiwan Association of Nurse Practitioners can design the metrics to measure NPs' contribution and to analyze the financial benefits bestowed by the NP profession based on the study results.