Advanced practice nurses and success of organized delivery systems

Advanced practice nurses have contributed significantly to the nation's healthcare for decades by providing primary care and specialty services. Despite financial and regulatory barriers, opportunities for advanced practice nurses continue to flourish, due, in part, to the unique contributions that these nurses can make in the areas of healthcare access, quality, and cost-effectiveness. This article analyzes the role and scope of advanced practice nurses in relation to organized delivery systems. The success of these systems depends on health-needs assessment and capitated-based risk for defined populations, as well as on the development of innovative governance and health delivery models. Advanced practice nurses can contribute to each of these success factors by providing access to primary care services and specialized care to high-risk populations. To achieve success, organized delivery systems must include advanced practice nurses as providers and partners in governance structures.