Review Article

Understanding Advanced Practitioner Prescriptive Privileges for Anticancer Therapies: A National Survey

Archana Ajmera,(1) MSN, ANP-BC, AOCNP®, Leigh Boehmer,(2) PharmD, BCOP,  Christa Marie Braun-Inglis,(3) DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, AOCNP®, Brianna Hoffner,(4) MSN, ANP-BC, AOCNP®, FAPO, Maria Matta,(2) MPH, and Rana R. McKay,(1) MD

From (1)University of California San Diego, San Diego, California; (2)Association of Community Cancer Centers, Rockville, Maryland; (3)University of Hawaii Cancer Center and University of Hawaii Nancy Atmospera-Walsh School of Nursing, Honolulu, Hawaii; (4)BroadcastMed, Huntington, New York

Authors’ disclosures of conflicts of interest are found at the end of this article.

Correspondence to: Archana Ajmera, MSN, ANP-BC, AOCNP®, 3855 Health Sciences Dr, San Diego, CA 92093. E-mail: aajmera@health.ucsd.edu

ABSTRACT

Oncology advanced practitioners (APs) work in collaboration with physicians to provide high-quality, specialized oncology care. Data are lacking on individual AP function within different practice settings, specifically around the prescribing of anticancer therapies. Our primary aim was to conduct a prospective, national, web-based survey to understand AP roles in prescribing anticancer therapies and the related privileging process(es) in both academic and community oncology practice settings. A 38-question survey was developed based on a review of published oncology AP data sets, expert input, and cognitive interviews with key AP informants. Survey domains included basic respondent demographics, practice setting information, and prescribing and privileging practices. The survey was distributed by the Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC) and the Advanced Practitioner Society for Hematology and Oncology (APSHO) in late 2022. 180 individuals responded, and 135 oncology APs completed the survey. The majority of respondents practice in states that allow prescriptive privileging for anticancer therapies. Only half of those that have prescriptive privileging have an established privileging and competency process at their practice setting. Among the nurse practitioners and physician assistants practicing in primarily independent roles, only about half can prescribe both standard-of-care and investigational therapies. This national survey provides valuable insights into the prescribing practices of oncology APs. The findings highlight the need to further develop standardized privileging and competency strategies within the AP community. By addressing these gaps, APs can play a crucial role in addressing workforce shortages in oncology and optimizing patient outcomes.

Advanced Practitioners in Hematology and Oncology: A Call to Action
Introduction
Advanced Practitioners in Hematology and Oncology: State of the Workforce
The Value of the Advanced Practitioner in Hematology and Oncology: Establishing Benchmarks
Understanding Advanced Practitioner Prescriptive Privileges for Anticancer Therapies: A National Survey
Advanced Practitioners as Agents of Change: Leveraging Quality Improvement to Improve Practice
Role of the Advanced Practitioner in Clinical Research
APSHO Oncology/Hematology Advanced Practitioner Compensation Survey

For access to the full length article, please sign in.