*The total number of CNPs with an active (or current) license in Ohio as of June 30, 2021 (Ohio Board of Nursing, 2021)

Provide preventive and primary care services
Treat acute illnesses and injuries
Manage acute and chronic illnesses in many settings
Evaluate and promote patient wellness
Order and interpret laboratory and diagnostic tests
Prescribe medications and therapeutic devices
Perform procedures

Role and scope of practice

CNPs must obtain a master's or doctoral degree from an accredited program and pass a national certification examination. The education, training, and national certification are in one of the following populations:

Adult/Gerontology (Acute Care or Primary Care)
Family
Pediatric (Acute Care or Primary Care)
Neonatal
Women's Health
Psychiatric/Mental Health

CNPs are licensed by the Ohio Board of Nursing as APRNs. They must practice in collaboration with a physician or podiatrist when providing direct patient care, and have a Standard Care Arrangement. In addition to direct patient care, CNPs may also be involved in research, education, and health policy advocacy to promote quality health care for all citizens of Ohio. CNPs may also practice in subspecialty areas such as, emergency and occupational health.

Other important information to know:

CNPs are licensed health care providers who are qualified to make independent decisions and are accountable for the care they provide
CNPs provide individualized care and focus on the effects that health problems have on people and their families
CNPs encourage patients to make informed decisions about their health care by offering specific information, such as the impact of lifestyle choices on health and the disease process
CNPs typically spend more time with their patients and have an enhanced ability to engage their patients in health promotion and disease prevention
CNPs explain the details of health problems and associated treatment to help people more fully understand how to care for themselves
Research studies confirm that at least 80% of primary care office visits are managed equally well by primary care physicians or nurse practitioners
CNPs must be recertified every 1-5 years depending on the national certification organization (recertification includes meeting advanced practice educational requirements)
A CNP has prescriptive authority and may prescribe medications in Ohio
When a CNP is collaborating with a podiatrist, the CNP's scope of practice is limited to the procedures that the podiatrist has the authority to perform according to section 4723.43(C) of the Ohio Revised Code
There are 55 accredited nurse practitioner programs in Ohio
Interactive Nurse Practitioner Scope of Practice Law Guide (Courtesy of Barton Associates)
Learn more about the CNP scope of practice at AANP