The purpose of this study was to explore Canadian NPs perceived competence and importance in prescribing physical activity (PA) behavior and to determine the prevalence of patient- centered PA prescription among NPs. The secondary purpose of this study was to determine the most common patient-related factors leading to a discussion regarding PA from the NP. PURPOSE METHODOLOGY/RESEARCH METHODS Data for this cross-sectional survey was gathered via an Internet-based questionnaire. NPs across Canada (N = 148) responded to a survey designed to assess factors that will include a) demographic questions, b) self-reported PA, c) perceived competence and importance related 52% Approximately 52% of NPs participating in this study were achieving public health physical activity guidelines. NPs were prescribing PA to 59% approximately 59% of patients seen. While NPs perceived PA-related prescription to be important (M response = 4.82 out of 6.0, SD =.85), NPs perceived they had moderate competence at conducting PA-related prescription (M response = 4.49 out of 6.0, SD =.90). There were no differences in perceived competence or perceived importance between NPs achieving and not achieving public health PA guidelines. health PA guidelines. Ultimately, exploring issues that both prevent and facilitate NPs engaging in PA discussions with their patients may help us to a) understand the challenges and barriers encountered by NPs, and b) create the conditions that will allow and facilitate NPs to engage in PA discussions with their patients and c) prepare clinicians for the changing medical care environment (e.g., dramatic rise in the prevalence of PA, obesity, and other related conditions). RELEVENT FINDINGS/IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE The most commonly reported factors reported by NPs leading them to initiate discussions regarding PA were: 1) patient is overweight / obese (n = 119), 2) type 2 diabetes (n = 54), 3) hypertension (n = 44), and 4) cardiovascular health (n = 41) There is limited evidence pertaining to NPs and their perceived role in PA prescription with their patients. NPs perceived that they were competent at prescribing PA, and they perceived that PA prescription is important. Given the health-enhancing effects of regular and sustained PA, we conclude that policymakers should include PA prescription practices as a condition for reimbursement in primary care visits Given the health-enhancing effects of regular and sustained PA, we conclude that policymakers should include PA prescription practices as a condition for reimbursement in primary care visits. Before this can occur, a thorough understanding of the factors that prevent and facilitate physical activity counseling in the NP context is necessary. This study provides a preliminary understanding in the Canadian context. Motivation to Move Patients - Nurse Practitioners and Physical Activity Prescription Dr Kimberley Lamarche RN NP, DNP & Dr Jeff Vallance PhD Faculty of Health Disciplines Contact the authors: Dr Kimberley Lamarche : Dr Jeff Vallance :