Restraint of Trade: Patient Advocacy, or Simple Turf Guarding?

Restraint of trade is becoming a more commonplace as nurse practitioners (NPs) attempt to expand or work within their full scope of practice. Some state and national entities are trying to restrict what NPs can do in their practice. Examples of court cases elucidating the attempt to restrain are presented. The primary cause for these actions is identified, and some potential responses are delineated. Knowing what initiates these actions can be the first step toward avoiding a potentially long and arduous legal process.