Asheville – Could a world exist where patients access quality healthcare without the obstacles of outdated regulations? This possibility may be within reach by granting nurse practitioners full practice authority. Recent research suggests that states allowing nurse practitioners to operate independently could significantly lower healthcare costs, particularly for patients with diabetes.
The Cost-Effective Solution
A recent study indicates that states with full practice authority for nurse practitioners experience a 20% reduction in healthcare costs for urban diabetes patients and a 10% decrease in rural areas. Notably, this reduction occurs without compromising care quality, as the study found no adverse effects on primary care claims or common procedures related to diabetes management.
Sally C. Pipes, President and CEO of the Pacific Research Institute, underscores the significance of deregulating healthcare labor markets: “States can dramatically reduce healthcare costs without sacrificing the quality of care simply by deregulating their healthcare labor markets,” she stated.
Despite these findings, nearly half of U.S. states still impose restrictions on nurse practitioners, limiting their ability to provide essential care independently. These scope-of-practice laws may hinder healthcare access and contribute to inflated costs.
Nurse Practitioners: Trained and Ready
Nurse practitioners undergo rigorous training, beginning as registered nurses before advancing to earn a master’s or doctorate in their specialty area. Many are well-equipped to handle most primary care services and can discern when a physician’s consultation is necessary.
Pipes points out that studies consistently show that permitting nurse practitioners to practice fully leads to better patient outcomes at lower costs. For instance, a 2018 study found that Medicare enrollees treated by nurse practitioners had lower rates of hospital admissions and emergency department visits compared to those treated by physicians. The cost of care from nurse practitioners was also found to be 11% to 29% lower.
This efficiency holds particular importance, especially given the time constraints faced by physicians. A 2022 study revealed that doctors spend an average of 4.5 hours daily on electronic medical records, which leaves them less time for patients with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Addressing Rural Healthcare Shortages
The shortage of primary care physicians is especially pronounced in rural areas, where nearly two-thirds face a deficit. With only 10% of doctors practicing in these communities, nurse practitioners could play a crucial role in bridging the gap.
Pipes highlights that relaxing scope-of-practice regulations may lead to increased check-ups and reduced emergency care needs, particularly in rural settings. There are strong indications that the quality of patient outcomes is not reduced when the scope of practice is expanded according to a 2018 study of rural health clinics in eight Southeastern states study on rural health clinics.
Long-Term Benefits of Deregulation
The long-term implications of granting full practice authority to nurse practitioners appear promising. An increase in healthcare supply could lead to lower costs over time while allowing physicians to focus on more complex cases that require specialized training.
Pipes notes that the current healthcare system is unsustainable, stating that a primary care physician would need to work an unrealistic 26.7 hours per day to meet the standard of care for a typical patient panel. “Nurse practitioners are more than capable of handling basic preventative care,” she said.
Addressing Physician Concerns
Some physicians may express concerns about losing their roles or authority with the expansion of nurse practitioners’ responsibilities. However, projections indicate that the U.S. may face a shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036. Many doctors are already experiencing burnout and stress due to overwhelming workloads.
Pipes argues that allowing nurse practitioners to take on increased responsibilities could help alleviate some of this pressure. “When too much of a doctor’s time is devoted to providing flu shots or completing paperwork, the supply of medical care contracts,” she said.
Additionally, public sentiment seems to support this shift. Polling from Morning Consult shows that over 80% of patients favor allowing nurse practitioners to provide comprehensive care, including through telehealth.
A Call for Change
The evidence suggests that deregulating scope-of-practice laws for nurse practitioners could enhance healthcare access and reduce costs without compromising quality. As states continue to navigate healthcare shortages and rising expenses, it may be time for lawmakers to reconsider these outdated regulations.
By empowering nurse practitioners to practice fully, a more efficient and effective healthcare system could emerge, benefiting all—especially patients who need it most. The lingering question remains: what obstacles remain in the way of this change?