What’s the best approach for expanding APPs’ scopes of practice? What role does the MSP play in this endeavor?

"Experience teaches us that this is occurring across the country," says Carol Cairns, CPMSM, CPCS. "APPs are expanding skills under the tutelage of their supervising or collaborating physician sponsors. Sometimes this is being done without the organization’s knowledge or approval. If an organization determines it wants to allow APPs to expand their scope of practice, it is imperative that the organization/medical staff develop a process to accomplish this goal. 

"MSPs are at the heart of this process. They are generally the ones who identify this process is needed or is already occurring without permission. Thereafter, the MSPs and medical staff leaders must determine the next steps. Considerations include policies and procedures, privilege sets and criteria, and competence assessment processes. To prepare for such initiatives, MSPs must sharpen their researching, networking, and project leadership skills."

Source: News and Analysis