Doctor shortage? 28 states may expand nurses' role
Tuesday, April 13, 2010 - 15:21
in Health & Medicine
(AP) -- A nurse may soon be your doctor. With a looming shortage of primary care doctors, 28 states are considering expanding the authority of nurse practitioners. These nurses with advanced degrees want the right to practice without a doctor's watchful eye and to prescribe narcotics. And if they hold a doctorate, they want to be called "Doctor."