California lawmakers are considering expanding nurse practitioners' scope of care, according to a Kaiser Health News report.
The bill, SB 491, would allow nurse practitioners in the state to practice independently from physicians. The change would help healthcare providers meet the expected increase in demand after millions of Americans receive health insurance in 2014 due to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
According to the bill, 17 states currently allow nurse practitioners to practice independently.
Opponents to the bill say nurse practitioners should practice as part of a care team with physicians because they do not have as much training as physicians, according to the report.
SB 491 will make its way to the state Senate Appropriations committee on Monday, according to the report.
Survey: Physicians Oppose Expanding Advance Practice Nurses' Role
The bill, SB 491, would allow nurse practitioners in the state to practice independently from physicians. The change would help healthcare providers meet the expected increase in demand after millions of Americans receive health insurance in 2014 due to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
According to the bill, 17 states currently allow nurse practitioners to practice independently.
Opponents to the bill say nurse practitioners should practice as part of a care team with physicians because they do not have as much training as physicians, according to the report.
SB 491 will make its way to the state Senate Appropriations committee on Monday, according to the report.
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