Independant Practice being sought in many states, but many medical associations are fighting it....

It is important for all of us to be aware of what is going on in the United States as the Affordable Care Act becomes further reality.  In an effort to ease what is seen as a possible shortage of primary care providers, many states are trying to increase NP autonomy by granting independant practice. Medical Associations are fighting this tooth and nail; stated to be out of concern for patient care. However, we in Washington State know that our independant practice provides excellent care to patients as we are taught WHEN to refer complex cases; in other words, we know our limits and practice by them. 

Here is an article from a California newspaper in regards to physicians fighting these changes as they see us as practicing medicine without a license. I see this as fighting to retain income as opposed to realizing there aren't enough primary care providers. Instead of fighting, we should all be working together to show that NP's are able to do their job in an efficient manner with adequate knowledge of when to keep and when to refer.

http://www.mercurynews.com/opinion/ci_23779290/medical-care-nurses-optometrists-shouldnt-act-doctors