Legislation aims to ease physician shortage with APRNs

In response to projected physician shortages in the near future, lawmakers in Ohio are considering a bill that would allow advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) to work independently from physicians. Supporters of the bill argue that APRNs are qualified to work independently because they have postgraduate degrees, can prescribe medications, order tests, and perform procedures. Several other states and the District of Columbia already allow APRNs to practice without supervision agreements.
 
The Ohio Academy of Family Physicians opposes the bill, arguing that physicians and APRNs are not interchangeable due to differences in education and training.

Source: The Chronicle-Telegram