Access to medical care for thousands of Ohioans depends on a diverse workforce of more than 25,000 Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) working across the state.
While the term “APRN” is often used as a broad category, the profession is actually composed of four specialized roles, each with unique training and responsibilities. According to the Ohio Association of Advanced Practice Nurses (OAAPN), these roles—Certified Nurse Practitioners (CNPs), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs), and Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs)—form the backbone of advanced clinical care in both urban centers and rural communities.
The distinction between these roles matters because legislative decisions regarding how they practice can directly impact patient availability. For instance, the OAAPN has identified the state's Standard Care Arrangement (SCA) requirements as a hurdle that can restrict the ability of qualified providers to serve underserved populations.
Legislative shifts expand provider authority
A recent legal milestone has already begun to alter administrative procedures for these professionals. On March 20, 2025, Senate Bill 196, referred to as the Global Signature legislation, officially took effect in Ohio.
This legislation expanded the authority of APRNs to sign specific patient care documents that fall within their professional scope of practice. The OAAPN described this change as a positive step for both the nursing profession and the patients relying on their services throughout the state.
How different nursing roles impact healthcare
Understanding the specific functions of each role helps clarify how they interact with the broader healthcare system. While they all share a foundation of advanced formal education and clinical experience, their day-to-day impact varies significantly.
CNPs manage diverse patient populations in Ohio
Certified Nurse Practitioners (CNPs) operate across a wide spectrum of specialties and settings. They are a central figure in the ongoing discussion regarding healthcare access in Ohio, particularly as they manage diverse patient populations in various clinical environments.
Anesthesia and specialized clinical support
The role of a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is fundamentally different from other APRN roles, focusing specifically on anesthesia care. Despite this specialization, CRNAs face the same systemic issues affecting advanced practice nursing in Ohio that the OAAPN seeks to address.
Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs) provide a different kind of utility, working within patient care, education, quality improvement, and informatics. Their roles often evolve to meet the shifting needs of healthcare systems and patient demographics.
CNMs provide advanced care to families
Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) focus on providing advanced nursing care to families and patients. Like CNPs and CNSs, CNMs are subject to Ohio laws governing practice, including the aforementioned Standard Care Arrangement requirements that the OAAPN is currently working to reform.
The following table outlines the four recognized APRN roles in Ohio as identified by the OAAPN:
| APRN Role | Primary Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP) | Diverse patient populations and specialties |
| Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | Specialized anesthesia care |
| Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) | Education, quality, and healthcare informatics |
| Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) | Advanced care for patients and families |
The push for reduced practice barriers
The central tension in Ohio nursing policy involves the balance between regulatory oversight and the removal of barriers to care. The OAAPN continues to advocate for the removal of what it characterizes as unnecessary practice barriers that impede the ability of qualified APRNs to treat patients.
These barriers are often felt most acutely in rural and underserved communities, where the presence of a highly trained APRN can be the difference between local access and a long journey to a major medical center. The association’s current advocacy efforts are heavily focused on addressing the Standard Care Arrangement (SCA) requirement to facilitate better access to care.
Common questions about Ohio APRNs
Which specific nursing roles are recognized as APRNs in Ohio?
The state recognizes four distinct roles: Certified Nurse Practitioners, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists, Clinical Nurse Specialists, and Certified Nurse-Midwives.
How many advanced practice nurses currently work in the state?
The OAAPN represents the professional interests of more than 25,000 APRNs across Ohio.
What is the main goal of the OAAPN?
The organization advocates for Ohio’s APRNs and focuses on policies that improve patient access to care by removing practice barriers.
The advocacy for these professionals remains a central component of the state’s efforts to manage a growing healthcare demand.
WV Fraud and Diversion Task Force Holds First Meeting to Target Crime
Federal and state officials held their first meeting of the Mountain State Fraud and Diversion Task Force at...
Bodybuilding Champion Alix Small Dies at Age 26
Bodybuilding champion Alix Small has died at the age of 26, according to the Toronto Sun. Small, a...
Vermont Certifies Midterm Results Following Record Voter Turnout
Vermont voters turned out in record numbers for the recent midterm election, according to data released during the...
How to Watch Texas Tech vs. No. 3 Illinois on November 10
The No. 3 Illinois Fighting Illini visit the Texas Tech Red Raiders at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock,...