The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is facing criticism for a controversial proposal that would allow highly trained advanced practice nurses to treat veterans without a physician\u2019s oversight. The agency said the plan is part of an overall effort to improve veterans\u2019 access to VA health care by reducing long wait times. Patients have been known to wait from several weeks to months for even the most basic VA health care services.<\/p>\n
According to officials, around 6,500 of the VA\u2019s 93,000 nurses have advanced training. These nurses would see their responsibilities broadened under the proposal. They would have the authority to prescribe medications, perform diagnostic tests, treat acute and chronic illnesses and administer anesthesia without a doctor\u2019s supervision.<\/p>\n
The VA would follow in the footsteps of the military, 21 states and the District of Columbia that have increased the authority of advanced nurse practitioners by allowing them to practice independently. Nurse practitioners (more…)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is facing criticism for a controversial proposal that would allow highly trained advanced practice nurses to treat veterans without a physician\u2019s oversight. The agency said the plan is part of an overall effort…<\/span><\/p>\n