June 10, 2026 · Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners · DOI: 10.1097/JXX.0000000000001309

Comparing prescribing practices of nurse practitioners and physicians in the United States: A scoping review

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This scoping review aims to synthesize current evidence on the prescribing practices of nurse practitioners (NPs) compared to physicians in the United States, focusing on quality, patterns, and trends. The findings indicate that while NP prescribing quality is generally comparable to that of physicians, variations exist based on medication type and practice setting, with NPs showing increased prescribing in certain areas and a slower adoption of new medications. The study underscores the need for tailored resources to support NP prescribing roles in diverse clinical contexts.

Bo Kyum Yang, Betelhem Higi, Hayley Mark, Amanda Commodari

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