Which state was the first to recognize nurse practitioners?

• A. California
• B. New York
• C. Florida
• D. Idaho

Answer: (D)

Recognizing nurse practitioners at the state level marks a milestone in formalizing their role and granting them licensed status with a defined scope of practice. Idaho was the first state to pass a statute that formally recognized nurse practitioners as licensed providers, establishing their scope of practice and enabling credentialing and broader professional legitimacy. This early action created a model that other states later followed as NP roles expanded nationwide. While California, New York, and Florida eventually established recognition and expanded authority for NPs, Idaho holds the historical distinction of being first.