Use of APP (Advanced Practice Provider)

This term is much preferable to "physician extenders" or "mid-levels". The term "Mid-level" was developed by the DEA when identifying non-physician providers and it was used for many years. Then in 2009 the AANP issued a statement endorsing the use of nurse practitioner only in reference to our profession. New APRN graduates have been advised to avoid recruiters that use the term physician extender or mid-level as it demonstrates the organization's perception of APRNs. Over the past few years we now see the term "advanced practice providers" when a company is recruiting both APRNs and physician assistants. If the recruiter is seeking a specialty provider and since APRNs are the only group that have required standardized specialty certification, they should advertise for the specialty they are seeking. Unfortunately the 2021Texas legislature passed a law that PAs can bill for mental health services, in spite of not having formal, standardized education in this area.