A lot has been said about Military Vets Will Receive Treatment from Nurse Practitioners Without Doctor Supervision. But perhaps its not all that bad. Beginning in January of 2017, the Veterans Affairs department will allow some nurse practitioners to begin treating veterans without the need of a supervising doctor. This will be the first time the agency has allowed treatment outside of a doctor’s supervision.
Military Vets Now Have Shorter Wait TimeMilitary Vets Will Receive Treatment from Nurse Practitioners Without Doctor Supervision
One of the major complaints from veterans has been the time they have to wait for treatment. The move to allow nurse practitioners to treat without supervision will help to shorten wait times for patients in areas with physician shortages. Shorter wait time for veterans will mostly be experienced in underserved areas. Military Vets Will Receive Treatment from Nurse Practitioners Without Doctor Supervision
Three types of nurse practitioners will be able to treat patients on their own, according to the new rule in the Federal Register. Certified Nurse Practitioners, Certified Nurse-Midwife and Clinical Nurse Specialists will all be able to treat patients without needing a doctor present. The new regulation states these three types of nurse practitioners can “practice to the full extent of their education, training and certification, without the clinical supervision or mandatory collaboration of physicians.
Finally, Nationwide For Our Famed Military Vets
The District of Columbia and 21 other states have already granted “full practice authority” to nurse practitioners. However, this will be the first time the VA has created a national framework for this type of direct care provided to vets. Over 5,000 nurse practitioners are already performing many duties, such as interpreting diagnostic tests, providing clinical assessments and ordering specific tests for treatment, according to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
However, many states currently require nurse practitioners to work in collaboration with a physician. Any VA facilities without “full practice authority” don’t benefit from direct access to patients in need of treatment.
As of January 13, 2017, the new rule will take effect allowing for a more effective use of VA health care facilities and benefits. The decision has been welcomed by both veterans and organizations representing nurses. However, groups representing the doctors are not exactly happy about the decision. The rule will help to ensure high quality health care, shorter wait time and better access to necessary treatments for veterans.
Certified Registered VA Nurse Anesthetists Not Covered
The new provision, while a step in the right direction for nurses and veterans, doesn’t cover certified registered nurse anesthetists. The reason CRNAs are not included in the provision is because the VA doesn’t have a shortage of anesthesiologists. However, some believe CRNAs may be included under the provision in the future.
The American Medical Association opposed the new rule completely including the CRNA exclusion. Some physicians believe it will cause less physician-centric care.
A Win for Nurse Practitioners and Veterans
Overall, the new rule is a big win for both veterans and nurse practitioners. With the number of NPs doubling over the last decade to more than 200,000, they will now be able to better care for patients all across the United States.
For veterans, this is a step in the right direction as the VA has often been accused of mismanagement. Now, veterans won’t have to wait days, weeks or even months for basic care and treatments.
Sources
? Nurse Practitioners Win Direct Access To VA Patients
? Nurse Practitioners to Treat Vets Without Doctor Supervision
