NP getting doctoral degrees; scary thought

[fammed2002]

recently in the journals NP are starting a program where they are
granted a doctors degree. who knows what the intention of these
programs are but some states allow them to practice fully independent
of MDs.

i will see if i can find the exact article or link.

[leadsled]

.................................................. ....

[stephew]

you can get a doctorate in romance languages. So what?

[leadsled]

.................................................. ....:)

[stephew]

Youre very welcome. I'm a little surprised that the obvious helped so much, but glad it did anyway.

[azskeptic]

Lead, hope you are saying that in kindness as Stephew is one of our best helps on VMD. Treat her with reverence...her leadership has helped many. Dean

Thanks for your 20,842nd posting... as aways, it is filled with words of wisdom.

[leadsled]

.......................................

[Aviv Imanuel]

In a nation of 300 million...there is bread for everyone...;)


recently in the journals NP are starting a program where they are
granted a doctors degree. who knows what the intention of these
programs are but some states allow them to practice fully independent
of MDs.

i will see if i can find the exact article or link.

[leadsled]

you can get a doctorate in romance languages. So what?


Excellent point!:)

[azskeptic]

To be honest, NPs don't need a doctorate. In Arizona for instance they can be in private practice

Arizona Scope of Practice Information (http://aznpconnection.netfirms.com/azscope-s.htm)

Of course in arizona you also have naturopaths

SCNM - Scope of Practice (http://www.scnm.edu/college/scope.php)

Bottom line: Insurance companies favor MD/DO's and these people won't get compensated as well by insurance or SS.

[leadsled]

To be honest, NPs don't need a doctorate. In Arizona for instance they can be in private practice

Arizona Scope of Practice Information (http://aznpconnection.netfirms.com/azscope-s.htm)

Of course in arizona you also have naturopaths

SCNM - Scope of Practice (http://www.scnm.edu/college/scope.php)

Bottom line: Insurance companies favor MD/DO's and these people won't get compensated as well by insurance or SS.


Azskeptic, you are partially correct...for now. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) will be required and instituted by the year 2015 for nurse practitioner programs. Those who are already licensed will be grandfathered.

In addition, insurance companies including Medicaid and Medicare most certainly re-imburse nurse practitioners for services rendered. Of course there are still a couple of states that don't license NP's

Thirdly, I don't see the relationship between the naturopath profession and the nurse practitioner profession??

AACN - Publications - Position Statement (http://www.aacn.nche.edu/Publications/positions/index.htm)

Practice Doctorate DNP Resources (http://www.aanp.org/AANPCMS2/ResearchEducation/EducationPageOne/NP+Preparation/PracticeDoctorateDNPResources.htm)

Like it was stated earlier, someone can get a doctorate in romance languages so who cares?

[leadsled]

Here is an article stating that the National Board of Medical Examiners is going to administer the CACC exam in November, 2008 which they claim to be comparable to the USMLE step 3 exam, to Doctors of Nursing Practice. Interesting how the waters are getting muddier.

Why would the NBME want to validate the profession of Doctor of Nursing practice? Once again, proof that the AMA has failed to support MD's who want to be a "general practitioner".

CACC and NBME press release (http://www.abcc.dnpcert.org/pressrelease.shtml)

[fammed2002]

the ama is dropping the ball but not just them.

these state medical boards who think that NP/PA are equivalent to int med/fp/peds doctors are more to blame.

restricting licensing to a residency trained board certified MD and allowing
a NP/PA to practice independently in that same state makes no sense.

[leadsled]

the ama is dropping the ball but not just them.

restricting licensing to a residency trained board certified MD and allowing
a NP/PA to practice independently in that same state makes no sense.


My argument is that the reason the NP/DNP is prospering in the USA is because the AMA, state boards and insurance companies have done everything within their powers to abolish the "general practitioner".

There are many applicants to the match that are going unmatched. Why not give them a PGY-1 year residency and allow them to become GP's and fill the vacancies that are taken by NP/PA in this country? I'm sure there are many FMG/IMG's that would be willing to work at an Urgent care/Instacare clinic, Indian (Native American) reservation, VA hospital, prison, etc., as a General Practitioner and start making a dent in their student loans. They can and ought to be productive in this country!

For some reason the powers that be are not interested in the GP anymore! The GP is dead! Hence the emergence of the super Doctor of Nursing Practice or another words, a general practitioner. The void must be filled!

[sbx4u]

Great idea. Doesn't seem like their is anyone there protecting the GPs turf.

[leadsled]

Great idea. Doesn't seem like their is anyone there protecting the GPs turf.


There aren't very many GP's left. Family medicine has taken that role. Very few hospitals will give privileges to a GP but have no problem giving hospital privileges to a PA or NP. Go figure?

The problem is that there are few residencies to go around. That's why I suggested the re-emergence of the GP. How difficult can it be to create a 1 year residency for this role? It certainly would be cost effective since so much of medicine is general primary care and does not require a specialist.

States are going to have to re-evaluate there legislation in regards to the amount of post graduate residency training that is necessary to function in the GP role. Heck, NP's get about 1000 hours of internship and in many states can work autonomously and get hospital privileges once licensed. Wow!