The Federal Trade Commission has expressed its support of a bill proposed in the Louisiana legislature that would expand advanced practice registered nurses' scope of practice in medically underserved areas.
Specifically, Louisiana House Bill 951 would remove a requirement that certain APRNs who practice in medically underserved areas or treat medically underserved populations have written "collaborative practice" agreements with physicians before they can offer healthcare services within the APRN's scope of practice.
In its response to a request from Louisiana State Representatives Thomas P. Willmott and Patrick C. Williams, the FTC said practice agreements could be costly or difficult to establish in some areas, and lifting the requirement could ease primary care shortages in Louisiana. It also said removing required practice agreements could boost competition in local healthcare markets and maintain healthcare costs.
The FTC vote approving the staff comment was 5-0.
Specifically, Louisiana House Bill 951 would remove a requirement that certain APRNs who practice in medically underserved areas or treat medically underserved populations have written "collaborative practice" agreements with physicians before they can offer healthcare services within the APRN's scope of practice.
In its response to a request from Louisiana State Representatives Thomas P. Willmott and Patrick C. Williams, the FTC said practice agreements could be costly or difficult to establish in some areas, and lifting the requirement could ease primary care shortages in Louisiana. It also said removing required practice agreements could boost competition in local healthcare markets and maintain healthcare costs.
The FTC vote approving the staff comment was 5-0.
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