Dive Brief:
- Bills in several states have taken up issues related to the scope of practice and how much authority advance practice nurses should have.
- For example, a New Jersey bill proposes that APNs have the authority to issue death certificates to patients under their care.
- In another example, Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy's administration would allow nurse practitioners treat patients and prescribe medications independently after working under a physician for three years.
Dive Insight:
When doctors oppose the expansion of advanced practice nursing, these days the most common reason they cite is that expanding an APN's role undermines the ability of clinical teams to work in a team-based approach. That logic strikes me as shaky. If nothing else, in an environment where a doctor is not present to lead the team, APNs can use their advanced skills to lead a team as well. As for doctors' other main concern, that APNs aren't as skilled in diagnosis as doctors, that remains to be seen. In the meantime, with a physician shortage creeping up on us, it doesn't hurt to at least consider how alternatives like APNs can meet growing demand.