Physician Groups: Giving VA Nurses More Autonomy Puts Vets At Risk
A proposed rule would allow highly trained nurses to work independently in an effort to cut long wait times, but doctors are concerned.
KPCC:
The VA Wants To Give Advanced Nurses More Autonomy
Nurses may soon do work doctors normally do at the Department of Veterans Affairs, and that has some physicians concerned. Under a VA proposal, specially trained nurses would be able to perform routine checkups, manage chronic conditions, and administer anesthesia. These would be highly trained nurses – nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and certified registered nurse anesthetists. Current VA rules require these nurses to be closely supervised by doctors. (Murphy, 8/3)