However, the APN cannot do it alone, and a collaborating physician may be necessary in many states. Advanced Nurse Practitioners have a slight advantage practicing in New Jersey in that an APN can diagnosis and treat patients, but does require a collaborating physician to prescribe medications. However, “state laws vary widely in the level of physician oversight required for nurse practitioners, with some states allowing NPs to practice independently, while others limit NPs’ authority to diagnose, treat and prescribe medications to patients without supervision” (Yee, Boukus, Cross & Samuel, 2013, p. 1). Conversely, there are other states where the APN can prescribe, diagnosis and provide treatment without physician collaboration, yet others that a physician is needed for all 3 actions. Currently, 18 states allow APN’s to diagnose, treat and prescribe medications without physician permission including Maryland (Yee & et al., 2013).…