Legislation seeks to expand nurses' duties
Legislation awaiting action by the Michigan House of Representatives could expand the scope of practice for postgraduate-educated nurses to help ease the workloads of physicians.
Despite holding master’s degrees or doctorates, the Michigan health code does not distinguish advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) differently from undergraduate-educated nurses. The bill seeks to change this by authorizing APRNs to write prescriptions, order tests, and perform several other duties without a physician’s approval.
A version of the bill passed the state Senate back in November. Sixteen other states and Washington, D.C., already allow APRNs to practice independently.
Source: Detroit News