Expanding Access to Care

The United States is experiencing a deficit in healthcare providers, especially physicians. This deficit is expected to increase as the population segment aged sixty-five and older continues to rapidly age. As a result of the increasing demand, some state boards are expanding the scope of practice for advanced practice nurses (nurse practitioners), physicians assistants, and other clinicians (clinical psychologists and others) to perform duties traditionally reserved for a licensed physician. For example, in some states, nurse practitioners have the authority to prescribe medications. Likewise, pharmacists are permitted to provide flu shots.

Despite intentions to fill the gap of a provider deficit, changing the scope of practice for healthcare professionals has received mixed reviews. Many healthcare associations and medical societies are voicing their strong opposition against these practices.

From the South University Library, read the following:

• Expanding Access to Care: Scope of Practice Laws

Considering the recent paradigm shift in healthcare, discuss this movement and its implications for competition. How can changing the prescribed privileges of a provider affect competition? What benefits and challenges exist as a result of expanding the scope of practice for a clinician? Considering this new entry into the market, is this type of competition considered disruptive innovation? Why or why not?

To support your work, use your course and textbook readings and also use the South University Online Library. As in all assignments, cite your sources in your work and provide references for the citations in APA format.

Your initial posting should be addressed at 500–1,000 words