State regulatory board structure, regulations, and nurse practitioner availability.

State boards of nursing (BON) and medicine (BOM) promulgate regulations that affect nurse practitioners (NPs). Certain characteristics of board structure have an impact on two potential barriers to NP practice: the absence of direct third-party reimbursement and authority to prescribe. The percentage of consumers on BONs and BOMs increases the likelihood of direct third-party reimbursement for NPs. The presence of an NP committee providing input to a board increases the likelihood of authority to prescribe for NPs. The availability of NPs is enhanced by the presence of NP educational programs in the state, the level of effort by the state related to NP recruitment and retention, and the presence of direct third-party reimbursement.