Michigan nurse practitioners (NPs) face limitations compared to NPs in many other states. Here’s a breakdown of the key restrictions:
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Supervision: Unlike some states with Full Practice Authority (FPA), Michigan NPs require supervision from a physician. This means they can’t practice independently and need physician approval for certain procedures, tests, or prescriptions.
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Scope of Practice: Michigan NPs operate under the scope of practice for Registered Nurses (RNs), which some argue undersells their training and experience. This may limit the types of services they can provide.
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Lack of Recognition as Primary Care Providers: Michigan doesn’t recognize NPs as primary care providers by default. This can affect reimbursement rates and patient access to certain services.
These limitations are a point of contention. The Michigan Council of Nurse Practitioners (MICNP) advocates for FPA (see AANP Full Practice position), arguing it would improve access to care, especially in underserved areas.
The US Health Resources and Services Administration published a report stating that 3.4 million Michigan residents live in a federally designated primary healthcare shortage area. Only 50% of primary care needs are met, which is alarming.
Many NPs receive substantial training at the doctoral level and hold years of clinical experience that are recognized by other states. With the elderly population increasing, Michigan needs to pass new laws that provide medical assistance to those who need it most.