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Free Interactive Resource

The 2026 NP Practice Authority Map

A free interactive 50-state map showing where NPs can practice independently and where they need physician collaboration. Hover any state to see its tier and key practice authority details. Built by practicing nurse practitioners.

⚠️
Data as of June 2026. Practice authority rules and transition-to-practice requirements change. This map is for general orientation only — always confirm current rules with the relevant state Board of Nursing before making career or licensure decisions.

🇺🇸 NP Practice Authority — All 50 States + DC

Hover any state to see its tier and key details. Color-coded by practice authority · As of June 2026.

Full Practice
Transition to Full
Reduced Practice
Restricted Practice
🔓

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🟢 Full Practice

21 states
NPs evaluate, diagnose, and prescribe — including controlled substances — without physician oversight.

🟦 Transition to Full

15 states
NPs reach Full Practice after completing a transition-to-practice period (hours-based or supervised collaborative).

🟡 Reduced Practice

5 states
NPs need a collaborative agreement with a physician for at least one element of practice.

🔴 Restricted Practice

10 states
NPs require physician supervision, delegation, or team management for the full career.

What you'll see on the map

Why this mattersPractice authority directly affects your NP career

Where you choose to practice as an NP determines whether you'll need a collaborating physician (and how that affects job availability + compensation), whether you can open your own practice, and how much administrative burden you carry. The differences between Full Practice and Restricted states are dramatic — and the landscape is shifting fast as more states enact NP modernization laws.

This map is a starting point. For state-by-state application tracking, fee calculators, and step-by-step licensure flows, see the Licensely APRN Navigator.

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All 50 states + DC. Application steps, prescribing rules, CE, collaborative agreements, and more — tracked in one place.

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Practice authority
Prescriptive authority + DEA
Collaborative agreements
Transition-to-practice pathways
CE & pharmacology rules
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CA
California APRN
4 of 10 steps · In Progress
40%
AZArizonaFull
CACaliforniaTransition
OHOhioReduced
TXTexasRestricted

Licensely is a nursing licensure navigation tool. State practice authority rules change — always confirm current requirements with the relevant state Board of Nursing. See our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.