There is also an interesting development in Maryland. I'm not sure if this is the case in many other states. Maryland nurse practitioners no longer require a supervising physician. It is required that they have a collaborating physician. Once this physician indicates that he or she will serve in this capacity, the nurse practitioner is required to have no contact with him/her. No cosigning, no chart review, they may never see each other again.
I believe that one of the reasons for this is to try to remove any legal liability from the physician.
I doubt very much that that would be effective. I'm guessing that if a nurse practitioner were sued, the collaborating physician would be brought in to the legal proceedings, alleging that the collaborating physician provided inadequate oversight. Anyone with any thoughts or experience in this area?
Gene
I partially agree/disagree. Your suspected outcome is probably right on.
I believe the reasoning behind this is just to provide more "primary care providers" without making it more attractive for MDs to actually do it. MDs are being strongly undercompensated by the insurance companies. The mid-levels will be more willing to accept the current reimbursements w/o complaint, and it potentially prevents doctors from doing what they probably should do en masse...stop accepting insurance.
