States Look to Expand Role of Nurse Practitioners
As if physicians didn't already have enough to worry about, it appears that many states are now contemplating expanding the scope of practice of nurse practitioners. According to recent AP article, at least 28 states are looking at expanding the scope of services nurse practitioners can provide as a means of addressing the looming shortage of primary care physicians expected as a result of the recently enacted health reform law. According to the article, some nurses who hold doctorate degrees are seeking to be able to use the term "Doctor" in their professional titles. The article notes that, not surprisingly, the American Medical Association is opposed to the state scope of practice expansion efforts.
