The bill was originally introduced by Sen. Ed Hernandez (D-West Covina) in March and passed the state senate in May. The bill aims to reduce the effects of the state’s physician shortage, especially in rural areas.
However, the bill has been hotly contested by the California Medical Association, a physician lobbying organization, according to the report. Physicians and the CMA contest allowing NPs to practice independently due to patient safety concerns, according to the report.
Sen. Hernandez introduced another bill earlier this year that would expand the scope of practice for pharmacists, which still has a possibility of passing through the legislature, according to the report.
More Articles on the Physician Shortage:
AAFP: Residents’ Interest in Family Medicine is Growing
Hilo Medical Center Receives Grant for Primary Care Physician Training Program
6 Tips for Recruiting Physicians to Rural Hospitals
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