States debating expansion of nurse practitioner authority

In 27 U.S. states and Washington D.C., a physician is not required to sign off on a nurse practitioner's work and Florida and Georgia are debating giving more independence to nurse practitioners. Dr. Carmen Kavali, a Georgia-based plastic surgeon who's been involved in policy debates on medical titles for years, joined CBS News to discuss the pros and cons.

#news #healthcare #health

[nicolehessabi]

Why did they bring a plastic surgeon to talk about NP scope of practice?!

[celpaz]

This is a great piece!! I feel cheated by my insurance when they push NPs instead of giving me an appt with a doctor. This is another example of cost cutting shady practices

[NycGuy]

The doctor is a plastic surgeon NOT an internal medicine or family medicine certified physician. She doesn't provide primary care. Why is she speaking on this issue? NPs and PAs DON'T perform surgery.

[justsomeguy]

Why would anyone want this? It doesn't save the patient money. The hospital charges you the same. Why are people clamoring to save hospitals money?

Doesn't Grandma or your kid deserve a doctor?

Should we let flight attendants fly planes because it would "increase access" to flights?

[Roberto-Escobar]

theres not enough MD's. why? its 12-15 years of schooling with atleast half a million $$$$ of debt. this causes a shortage of MD's. PA and NPs are an alternative. is it correct? besides everyone shooting there opinion to that question, the truth is that there is a great need of medical care and these are alternatives. dont like an NP, just book with an MD. Eventually all states will make NP full authority due to need, not desire. You can make MD school more affordable, shorter time frame, more accessible (medical schools and AMA wont like have full authority NP's.

[travelw.boo]

It's ridiculous that nurses have become doctors making diagnoses now! The training is totally different and citizens should not fall on this practice

[kazoolibra]

Retired nurse educator here. I ENTIRELY DISAGREE with NP programs that require nothing more than a BS in nursing to admit. The EXPERIENCE of working as a nurse is what makes an NP SO VALUABLE!! I WOULD RECOMMEND two full years of work experience before any NP program. NP programs are DOCTORATES now by the way

[chayoluna]

This would have been a well rounded topic had you had a speaker who was an NP & PA as well. This is quite biased and is not describing the whole story, just one perspective.

[rodvivianrodv]

I’m a psychiatrist with over 40 years experience. I mentored a NP student which meant she sat in my office as I interviewed patients for a total of 40 hours. She knew nothing. I had no opportunity to even provide my opinion about her. The next thing I knew she was seeing patients alone and had never met her “collaborative physician”. Terrifying. Will never mentor again.

[justsomeguy]

She's right.

It creates a two-tiered health system.

You know rich people will always see doctors, but then they'll say my daughter only deserves a nurse practitioner?

I work hard to make sure my family is healthy, and they matter just as much as rich kids do.

[ReineDeLaSeine]

I see NPs mostly and even still, I think this is insane. They are designed to work under a doctor, not be one! It’s like I taking an electrician and having them become a structural engineer. Made medical school more affordable and CMS needs to permit more residency slots. I’d go to medical school in a heartbeat if I had the money.

[Florenceuju]

Total fear mongering. The interview is partisan and needed a nurse practitioner to provide a balance. CBS should have NP, PA, and MD to create a balance. Other 26 States with full practice for nurse practitioners have better health outcomes.

[JeeConstructionbluecollar]

Yes!!!! Go nurse practitioners they the best

[prognosis]

If NPs/PAs are qualified to practice independently, then that would imply that the additional training physicians do is unnecessary. Why not reduce the amount of training physicians have to do? Four years of basic science to a premed degree, four years of medical school, and a minimum of 3 years 80 hours per week of in-depth on the job training receiving direct supervision and feedback from a supervising physician. Physicians also must pass 3 national medical licensing exams and a board exam. If all of that is too much, then pass laws to reduce it.

[donnaallgaier-lamberti]

I live in Michigan and I have seen a nurse practitioner GYN forf over 5 years. I have actually been much happier!! She has no ego, she listens and she believe me.

[sandradee]

I'm sorry but if I'm going 2 b seen by a medical professional it's going 2 b an MD. MY choice my payment. I find the others horrendously judgemental

[stevenbrewer]

Studies show that NP care outcomes are as good as MD, and that patients are more satisfied with their NP’s care than their MD’s care. They might exist, but I’ve never met an NP who wasn’t first an experienced RN.

[BlackBeard]

No they should never act on their own. Do paralegals get to practice law on their own? No. NPs and PAs are the paralegals of the medical field.

[anthonytur]

Every NP has worked as a nurse some point in their life. Every program requires clinicals. Ny bachelors and masters were online and both required clinicals. There is no way you can be an NP with completely no experience. Every NP has been a nurse. How in the hell can you pay for school in this economy without working. This lady clearly has a hate for NPs. Btw PAs dont need experience either. They go to school and get their clinical hours too. When you became an MD you had no experience either. You get that through school and when you start working

[perlDreamer]

I'm very disappointed that CBS would put out such a partisan piece without having a pro-NP advocate as well.