A bill that would allow nurse practitioners in California to practice without direct physician supervision has failed in a legislature committee, according to a Los Angeles Times report.
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.
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