Expanding the scope of veterans' healthcare
Posted over 9 years ago by Nicholas M Perrino
"There is little doubt that the issues facing the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) are complex. It is the largest healthcare system in the country — 1,700 facilities across 50 states and several territories — serving millions of veterans each year.
However, expanding the VHA's ability to better serve those seeking care...may be as simple as removing barriers and allowing providers within the VHA system to practice to full extent of their education, training and certification.
This past month, a bipartisan group of senators introduced legislation that would empower advanced practice registered nurses — such as nurse anesthetists and nurse practitioners — and physician assistants to practice to the fullest scope recommended by their respective professional organizations. This would apply to all VHA facilities regardless of the state-level restrictions that are in place. By giving these providers this autonomy, the VHA's ability to treat the backlog of veterans seeking care would immediately improve without the need to spend one additional penny. More importantly, it could drive the conversation surrounding the future of healthcare in America.
But how would this change the delivery of healthcare in America? For routine and ongoing care needs, a recent study found no difference in the quality of care provided by physicians and nurse practitioners. The one difference that the study did find, however, is that patients seeing nurse practitioners had higher levels of satisfaction with their care. In short, it would do little to change the quality of care but would lead to marked improvements in satisfaction. This is why both the Institute of Medicine and the Federal Trade Commission have both advocated against scope of practice restrictions.
Ultimately, expanding the scope of practice within VHA facilitates would put the VA in a position of being a policy innovator."