Nurses Become Doctors

Because of the deficiency of medical doctors, Florida and other 28 states are now planning to improve nurses' ability and responsibility. Nurses are not permitted to prescribe controlled substances to patients in Florida and Alabama, but the other 48 states already allow it. This outlaw was already submitted to legislation 16 years ago. Willa Fuller, Executive Director for the Florida Nurses Association, said that passing this legislation would lessen the delay in receiving these medications, most are not narcotics, and others are anti-depressants and laxatives. However, in most states, nurses with advanced degrees are also approaching to eliminate administration requirements.

Associated Press explained that in some states, doctors sign collaborative agreements with nurses to allow them to supervise their patients. This provision is implemented by Department of Professional Regulation. Elizabeth Rash, Associate Professor in UCF's College of Nursing, said that this supervision will allow nurses to deliver quality, safe and effective health care. The AMA (American Medical Association) is not in favour of this provision. AMA President elect Dr. Cecil Wilson told the AP that this shortage is not a reason to change the standards of medical care. Debbie Chandler, a doctoral student in UCF's College of Nursing, said that nurses who can manage clinics are more cost effective because they can accept out patients. AMA heard some issues about nurses who want to be called doctor because they have doctorate degrees. Chandler stated that the power to change these rules for nurses depend on the people at Florida. [via today.ucf.edu]