IOM Backs Nurses’ Push for New Role in Health Care – (10/5/10)

National Public Radio

IOM Backs Nurses’ Push for New Role in Health Care – 10/5/10

By Andrew Villegas and Mary Agnes Carey

CPR Responds – 10/6/10

We applaud the call for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to be able to provide the valuable health care services they are educated and trained for. APRNs (as well as many other health care professionals) face divisive movements aimed to restrict the scope of practice that limits patient access to care. There is a direct correlation between access to a broad range of health care professionals and more efficient, cost-effective health care.

This report reinforces that physicians aren’t the only ones capable of caring for Americans, and with our nation’s need for health care, it’s imperative patients have access to the services and capabilities of a broad spectrum of providers, such as APRNs, registered nurses, therapists and naturopathic physicians, among others.

Read the article at www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=130349620&f=1128&sc=tw