SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS RADIO) – Nurse practitioners in California suddenly have a lot more independence.
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According to a new law, nurse practitioners no longer need a doctor's supervision to practice throughout the state of California.
Cynthia Jovanov, head of the California Association of Nurse Practitioners, told KNX reporter Brian Ping the new law is meant to increase healthcare access to rural and underserved areas.
"It gives us the autonomy to open up a primary care clinic or we could still stay in an organized large institution, but we don't need that position’s oversight," she explained.
Currently, California is suffering a doctor shortage, making it difficult for coverage across the entire state. The law allows nurse practitioners to step in and perform their work without the shortage holding them back.
Nurse practitioners are still not allowed to perform procedures that require a physician, such as a surgery.
The new rules are set to take effect in the new year.
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