Louisiana Bill Wants Nurses to Practice Independently in Underserved Areas

A Louisiana bill aims to grant more clinical autonomy to advanced practice nurses, according to a New Orleans Net report.

House Bill 951 by Rep. Tom Wilmott (R-Kenner) would allow advanced practice nurses — including registered nurse anesthetists, certified nurse midwives and clinical nurse specialists — to practice without any affiliation with a physician if the nurse is working in a medically underserved area.

Nurse practitioners and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing say the bill would expand patient access to care, while the American Medical Association and the Louisiana State Medical Society say the move poses a danger to patients. The bill will be discussed by both sides at the House Health and Welfare Committee today.

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