Job Description

The scope of practice of nurse practitioners varies widely among individual states. Nurse practitioners make referrals for therapies, treatments, and diagnostic tests. They order diets, exercises and medical equipment. Medication prescribing capacities vary depending upon individual state rules. In some jurisdictions, nurse practitioners work independently. However in most states nurse practitioners are required to collaborate with a physician. Home health nurse practitioners are employed by private and government run home health agencies. 

They work for managed care companies. Home health nurse practitioners provide services as primary care providers and consultants. Home health nurse practitioners are considered attending physicians for Medicare reimbursement of services provided to home health and hospice patients. They provide face to face recertification assessments of patients receiving home health and hospice services. Home health nurse practitioners conduct comprehensive physical examinations. They advocate for patients to receive community, social, and health care services which prevent and treat a vast array of health conditions. As primary care providers, home health nurse practitioners treat minor and serious illnesses.

 They collaborate with other health care providers regularly to ensure that patients physical, mental, functional, and psychosocial needs are met. Home health nurse practitioners provide support for family members of sick and ill patients. They determine whether or not a home setting is the best place for a patient to receive care. Nurse practitioners take leadership roles advocating for changes in health care policies related to health care delivery, quality and reimbursement.