The Roadmap to Opening an Autonomous Nurse Practitioner Direct Primary Care Practice in Florida

Dr. Monica Barfield is a doctoral-prepared, dual-board certified Nurse Practitioner and healthcare entrepreneur, widely recognized as a trailblazer in advancing nurse practitioner-led care in Florida. She is the founder and owner of New Horizon Primary Care in Port St. Joe - the first recognized autonomous NP-led primary care practice in the state. Since opening its doors in 2020, her clinic has become a model for expanding access to quality, affordable healthcare in rural and underserved communities through a root-cause, holistic approach. Dr. Barfield is nationally recognized for her advocacy and leadership, having been featured in the American Association of Nurse Practitioners’ national campaign showcasing NP-led care in rural America. She has testified before Florida’s House and Senate committees on behalf of nurse practitioners and helped draft key legislation expanding autonomous practice rights for psychiatric mental health NPs. With over two decades of nursing experience, including perioperative, critical care, and primary care roles. She has developed expertise in both clinical excellence and practice management. Dr. Barfield is also a sought-after speaker and mentor, presenting at conferences and webinars on topics such as opening an autonomous NP practice, leveraging social media in healthcare, and implementing innovative care models. Her professional achievements have earned her numerous awards, including the AANP Award of Excellence, Barbara Lumpkin Award, Women of Distinction, and Best of Florida in multiple years. She currently serves as Chair of Autonomous NP Practice for FNPN, Region One Director of FNPN, and Secretary of the Florida Coalition for Advanced Practice Nurses. Deeply committed to community engagement, Dr. Barfield regularly provides public education on healthcare access and the NP role and is recognized by local and state media for her contributions to improving health outcomes in her region. She continues to inspire and empower nurse practitioners across Florida and beyond through her mentorship, advocacy, and unwavering dedication to patient-centered care.

Dr. John W. Rothwell III is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Doctor of Nursing Practice with more than 30 years of experience in healthcare. He began his career in 1989 as a U.S. Army flight medic, serving in combat with the 2/1 Attack Helicopter Regiment before continuing his service in both the Florida and New Hampshire National Guard. Dr. Rothwell earned his nursing degree in 1998 and went on to complete his BSN, MSN, and DNP at the University of Central Florida. His clinical experience spans critical care, oncology, cardiology, emergency medicine, and urgent care. In 2018, he founded Island Direct Primary Care in Merritt Island, Florida, and is currently building out Main Street Direct Primary Care as his second DPC practice in Brevard County, further expanding access to affordable, patient-centered healthcare.