Texas

TexasTowelie

(112,191 posts) Wed Feb 6, 2013, 08:17 PM Feb 2013

Texas bill would allow doctors to delegate more

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Key lawmakers have introduced a bill that would allow doctors to delegate limited prescription authority to nurses and physician assistants in more situations.

Sen. Jane Nelson and Rep. Lois Kolkhorst, both Republican chairs of key health care committees, announced Wednesday they want to give doctors more latitude in allowing advanced practice nurses and physician assistants to treat patients.

The lawmakers say Senate Bill 406 will help with the statewide shortage of primary care doctors. Doctors would no longer have to be on-site and could supervise more nurses and physician assistants. The bill would also encourage better coordination between medical boards to maintain patient safety.

The Texas Medical Association expressed support for the bill saying it would promote better treatment by allowing for a team-based, collaborative approach.

Source: http://lubbockonline.com/filed-online/2013-02-06/texas-bill-would-allow-doctors-delegate-more

[font color=green]Mixed feelings about this bill since I currently take a prescription classified as a controlled substance (Schedule V) for a chronic condition. It is difficult coordinating with my physician's office regarding refills.

However, since some of the prescriptions may have side effects such as depression I am concerned that inadequate monitoring of patients could be hazardous to the general public. I believe that initial prescriptions should be issued only by physicians instead of APNs and PAs.

This bill could also result in a windfall to the pharmaceutical companies.[/font]

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Texas bill would allow doctors to delegate more (Original Post) TexasTowelie Feb 2013 OP

I think this is being driven more by the insurance companies Lithos Feb 2013 #1

Limited prescription authority. It isn't likely that nurses or PAs would Ilsa Feb 2013 #2

Lithos

(26,403 posts)

1. I think this is being driven more by the insurance companies

Reply to TexasTowelie (Original post)

Wed Feb 6, 2013, 08:39 PM

Feb 2013

Than by the pharma companies.

They already pay less when you are seen by a NP or a PA. So this will lower their payments back.

I am of mixed feelings here. I think it puts a bigger squeeze on doctors (malpractice insurance will rise for their help coupled with less income from the insurance companies), but will make it easier (as you noted) to be seen quicker and treatment - especially for chronic problems.

L-

Ilsa

(61,695 posts)

2. Limited prescription authority. It isn't likely that nurses or PAs would

Reply to TexasTowelie (Original post)

Wed Feb 6, 2013, 09:08 PM

Feb 2013

accept responsibility for initial prescription for a Schedule V drug. Those would likely be exempted and would only be prescribed by a physician. Nurses and PAs have licenses to protect, and I suspect the doctors wouldn't want the increased risk for liability of having to sign off on the scripts after the fact.

Alot of APNs opt for getting licensed for writing prescriptions anyway, and that would include initial scripts. It gives them more employment options, even with the existing legal protocols.

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