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- Presentation
Scope of Practice Update 2025
Description
The presentation discusses the evolving landscape of scope of practice for non-physician providers (NPPs), emphasizing the factors driving its expansion, particularly the aging baby boomer population and a declining physician workforce. It highlights the significant growth in the number of nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) since 2010, while noting that many are not practicing in primary care settings where they are most needed. The analysis also includes data on the distribution of NPPs, revealing a concentration in urban areas rather than rural ones, where primary care is often lacking. Furthermore, it presents mixed findings regarding the cost and safety of NPPs compared to physicians, citing studies such as the Hattiesburg Clinic experience, which showed that physicians outperformed NPPs on quality metrics. Emerging issues for 2025 include the push for independent practice by pharmacists and optometrists, alongside legislative efforts to enhance truth in advertising regarding provider qualifications. The importance of cross-specialty collaboration, public education, and proactive legislative engagement is emphasized, as well as the successful prevention of several scope expansions in various states in 2024. Overall, while challenges persist, there is optimism for continued advocacy and influence on scope of practice regulations.
View moreConclusions
- The expansion of scope of practice for non-physician providers is largely driven by an increasing demand for healthcare services as the population ages.
- There is a significant increase in the number of nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs), yet many do not work in primary care settings where they are most needed.
- Despite training more non-physician providers, the geographic distribution of these providers often does not address gaps in rural and underserved areas.
- Cost and safety outcomes for non-physician providers (NPPs) are mixed and sometimes indicate that NPPs may incur higher costs and lower accuracy compared to physicians, particularly in dermatology.
- The Hattiesburg Clinic study shows that physicians perform better on most quality metrics and offer better cost outcomes when patients are co-managed with NPPs.
- There is ongoing advocacy to maintain physician-led teams in healthcare, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between physicians and non-physicians.
- Recent legislative efforts have largely been successful in preventing new scope expansions for non-physician providers in multiple states.
- The need for improved patient education regarding provider qualifications and the roles within the healthcare team is emphasized.
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