Barriers to advanced practice outlined to Federal Trade Commission

Nevada RNformation, May-Jul 2003

On Feb. 27, 2003 the American Nurses Association presented testimony to the Federal Trade Commission regarding market conditions that affect health care delivery, specifically impediments to the full integration of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) into the health care delivery system. Examples discussed included:

* addition to medical practice acts to discipline physicians for failure to properly supervise APRNs;

* use of payment codes based on a medical model of care which create an unfair disadvantage for any non-physician practitioner;

* hesitation by health insurers and managed care providers about placing nurses on provider panels;

* refusal by physicians to collaborate, thus driving nurse practitioners out of clinics;

* mandated inclusion of nurses on physician insurance policies/insurance surcharges thereby driving up the cost of NP insurance inconsistent with the practice risks.

ANA stated that if the market imperfections were addressed and consumers were given a clear, unfettered option, independent nurse practitioner practice would grow and evolve.

The American Nurses Association is the national organization that represents the Nevada Nurses Association. For information on membership in the American Nurses Association / Nevada Nurses Association visit our websites at www.nvnurses.org or www.nursingworld.org.