The document discusses the differences between primary care nurse practitioners (PCNPs) and acute care nurse practitioners (ACNPs). PCNPs focus on providing chronic illness care, preventative care, and developing long-term relationships with patients. In contrast, ACNPs care for patients experiencing acute exacerbations of chronic illnesses or complex critical illnesses in emergent or non-emergent situations. While both must complete graduate-level education, their specializations and scopes of practice differ based on the populations and environments for which they are trained to provide care. It is important for nurse practitioners to understand how their education and licensure inform their legally defined scopes of practice.