New research appears to have found the proverbial “free lunch” economists have long been searching for.
States that grant nurse practitioners “full practice authority” — that authorize them to provide care independently, without the supervision of a physician or other provider — reduce total healthcare costs for people with diabetes by 20% in urban areas and drive down rural usage of advanced medical services by people with diabetes by about 10%.
And there doesn’t appear to be a trade-off. The study found that full practice authority had no effect on primary care claims, the number of high blood-sugar tests, or diabetic debridements — common procedures for people with the condition.
Nothing contained in this blog is to be construed as necessarily reflecting the views of the Pacific Research Institute or as an attempt to thwart or aid the passage of any legislation.
Scope-of-practice laws put patients in the crosshairs
Sally C. Pipes
New research appears to have found the proverbial “free lunch” economists have long been searching for.
States that grant nurse practitioners “full practice authority” — that authorize them to provide care independently, without the supervision of a physician or other provider — reduce total healthcare costs for people with diabetes by 20% in urban areas and drive down rural usage of advanced medical services by people with diabetes by about 10%.
And there doesn’t appear to be a trade-off. The study found that full practice authority had no effect on primary care claims, the number of high blood-sugar tests, or diabetic debridements — common procedures for people with the condition.
Click to read the full article in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
Nothing contained in this blog is to be construed as necessarily reflecting the views of the Pacific Research Institute or as an attempt to thwart or aid the passage of any legislation.