In an attempt to reduce a physician shortage, Missouri legislation would allow nurse practitioners to care for patients without physician oversight, according to a KY3 news report.
Sixteen other states already allow independent practice for NPs. Sen. Bob Dixon (R) and Rep. Ray Weter (R) are sponsoring the legislation. Hearings are scheduled for both the House bill and Senate bill next week.
Some physicians oppose the idea of independent practice, saying it breaks apart team-based care. One nurse practitioner cited in the report said that while collaboration between providers is "always a good idea," making it mandatory and "structuring it to make it awkward is not," according to the report.
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Sixteen other states already allow independent practice for NPs. Sen. Bob Dixon (R) and Rep. Ray Weter (R) are sponsoring the legislation. Hearings are scheduled for both the House bill and Senate bill next week.
Some physicians oppose the idea of independent practice, saying it breaks apart team-based care. One nurse practitioner cited in the report said that while collaboration between providers is "always a good idea," making it mandatory and "structuring it to make it awkward is not," according to the report.
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