Some nurse practitioners in Kentucky are now able to prescribe routine medications without a physician's involvement, according to a Kaiser Health News report.
NPs who have completed a four-year collaboration with a physician gained the increased independence under a new law that passed after five years of debate.
Prior to the law, which took effect July 15, NPs in Kentucky could prescribe medications only if they had a collaborative agreement with a physician, who could charge a fee for the agreement, according to the report. Collaborative agreements are still needed for NPs who wish to prescribe more restricted medications, like Adderall, cough syrup or oxycodone.
The law also established a committee to create a list of physicians who are willing to form collaborative agreements with NPs. If an NP cannot find a physician within 30 days to enter an agreement with, the committee must provide one, according to the report.
Kentucky has 5,410 NPs. Their newfound flexibility is expected to increase healthcare access to the state's patient population.
Additionally, earlier this year, the Federal Trade Commission released a policy report stating that increasing NPs' range of independent practice can encourage competition. "Expanded APRN scope of practice is good for competition and the American consumers."