Minnesota’s first NP-run clinic opens next month

On January 1, a Minnesota state law took effect allowing nurse practitioners (NP) to practice independently after completing 2,080 hours of supervised work. On April 6, the University of Minnesota School of Nursing will open a clinic in the Downtown East neighborhood, led by NPs. For years, advanced practice registered nurses have served as primary care providers for many patients.

NPs, nurse midwives, clinical nurse specialists and nurse anesthetists diagnose illnesses, provide treatment and prescribe medications. But prior to January 1, they were required to have a written agreement with a physician to practice, which could limit where and when they could work based on physicians’ availability and willingness to sign the agreements.

Source: Minnesota Public Radio