Nurse practitioners in California could get an expanded role in your health care if a bill passes through the state legislature.
AB 890 would allow nurse practitioners to diagnose flus and colds, among other care functions, and would remove the physician supervision requirement if nurses have the right expertise and certification. The bill's author, State Assemblyman Jim Wood, said the move would align California with 23 other states and the Veteran's Administration.
"Where California usually meets on innovative policy, here we've lagged," Wood said. "And the challenge for people out there is that there aren't a lot of people who are getting access to primary care in a timely manner."
Thank you @JimWoodAD2 for your leadership in helping California #ClosetheProviderGap. #AB890 is an important bill that #CALeg should pass THIS YEAR! Even MDs agree - read more: https://t.co/4V1jNttqBH
— Close the Provider Gap (@YesonAB890) July 13, 2020The California Medical Association has been a fierce opponent of the bill. A statement on the group's web site contended that the legislation lacks competency requirements and would set up a tiered system of health care.
"We have seen that many practitioners are struggling in their practices," Wood said. "And the need of more primary care providers continues to grow."
Wood introduced the bill in February 2019, but the pandemic has put a strain on primary care providers, especially in underserved rural and urban areas throughout the state.
The bill heads to Senate Committee in the coming weeks.
