Most Virginia nurse practitioners could gain the autonomy to practice without a physician's oversight if Gov. Ralph Northam signs a bill the General Assembly passed with near-unanimous support.
The measure would allow most types of nurse practitioners with five years of full-time clinical experience to earn approval to practice without maintaining a contract with a physician who oversees them. Northam, who must act by April 9, is evaluating the bill, according to his office.
Nurse practitioners have specialized training to write prescriptions, make diagnoses and perform other tasks that go beyond traditional nursing duties. Virginia is currently among 12 states, mainly in the South, with the most restrictive supervision requirements for nurse practitioners, according to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
