Who We Are
My Free Clinic is proud to be the first free clinic in the United States run by nurse practitioners. After a challenging journey towards achieving Full Practice Authority (FPA), we are thrilled to operate under this critical legislation, which makes a real difference in our communities. In Illinois, FPA empowers Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), including nurse practitioners, to practice independently without requiring a collaborative agreement with a physician. This significant change, established through legislation passed in 2017, has made it possible for us to provide essential care to those who need it most since the licensing process began in mid-2019.
As nurse practitioners, we deeply understand and witness the struggles many face when trying to access healthcare. With FPA, we can evaluate, diagnose, treat, and manage patients independently, ultimately leading to more efficient and accessible healthcare services. It made My Free Clinic possible to stand proud today.
The impact of FPA is especially profound in rural and underserved areas, where many nurse practitioners strive to serve their communities. We recognize that restrictions can impede our ability to reach those who need care the most. Our commitment to improving healthcare access, efficiency, and patient outcomes drives the push for FPA, which fully empowers us to practice according to our education and training.
FPA is a vital step toward achieving health equity by removing unnecessary barriers to practice. It allows nurse practitioners to extend their skills to the fullest, ensuring that care is accessible, especially in underserved areas. Together, we can address health disparities and work toward improving health outcomes for all individuals.
