government
Bill would allow nonphysicians to coordinate Medicaid care
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted June 27, 2011
State Medicaid programs would be required to recognize physician assistants, certified nurse midwives and advanced practice registered nurses as primary care case managers, according to a bill introduced June 3 by Rep. John Olver (D, Mass).
Olver said the measure would help improve primary care in areas with physician shortages. He noted that fees for physician assistants and nurse practitioners often are 10% to 30% less than physician fees. "This could translate into a significant savings," he said.
The measure, formally known as the Medicaid Advance Practice Nurses and Physicians Assistants Access Act, has nine co-sponsors, all Democrats.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/06/27/gvbf0627.htm.