New Legal Initiative Aims to Expand Healthcare Access by Empowering Nurses
June 11, 2025
Washington, DC; June 11, 2025: Pacific Legal Foundation (PLF) has launched a new initiative dedicated to securing full practice authority for advanced practice healthcare providers — a critical step in expanding access to safe, high-quality care for millions of Americans.
This initiative builds on PLF’s longstanding commitment to defend individuals’ right to earn a living free from unnecessary government interference and to protect patients’ right to choose the care that best suits their needs.
“Arbitrary regulatory barriers that limit where and how healthcare professionals can practice do more than burden providers: they restrict access to care, especially in underserved and rural communities,” said Donna Matias, an attorney with Pacific Legal Foundation who leads the initiative. “It’s time to challenge outdated laws that prioritize turf wars over patient well-being. We’re actively looking for clients — nurses and other licensed professionals — who are ready to fight back.”
Visit the initiative page: Securing Full Practice Authority
PLF’s legal team will challenge state laws that require advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to enter into mandatory supervisory or collaborative agreements with physicians — agreements that typically serve no legitimate health or safety purpose but are required in many states as a condition of practice. These outdated mandates are often driven by entrenched interests that seek to stifle competition, not improve care.
The goal: Ensure medical professionals can practice to the full extent of their education and training without unnecessary red tape and that patients, especially in medically underserved areas, can access more timely and affordable care.
PLF is currently seeking clients for potential legal action. If you are an advanced practice provider facing unreasonable regulations that hurt your ability to help patients, submit your case to Pacific Legal Foundation.
The initiative is backed by PLF research, which shows that collaborative practice agreements (CPAs) can cost APRNs thousands of dollars annually, even when physician oversight is minimal or nonexistent. At the same time, studies consistently show that CPA requirements do not improve patient outcomes.
Read the full report: Restrictions to Care: How Collaborative Practice Agreements for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses and Certified Nurse-Midwives Limit Patient Access.
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About Pacific Legal Foundation
Pacific Legal Foundation is a national nonprofit law firm that defends Americans threatened by government overreach and abuse. Since our founding in 1973, we challenge the government when it violates individual liberty and constitutional rights. With active cases in 34 states plus Washington, D.C., PLF represents clients in state and federal courts, with 18 wins of 20 cases litigated at the U.S. Supreme Court.