Pennsylvania: scope of health professionals expanded

As part of his Prescription for Pennsylvania plan, Governor Edward G. Rendell has signed legislation permitting "certified registered nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives and dental hygienists to practice to the full extent of their education and training."  The new laws provide for a physician to establish collaborative agreements with up to four physician assistants, gives prescriptive power to nurse midwives, defines a role for clinical nurse specialists, and allows certified registered nurse practitioners to perform specified acts of medical diagnosis in consultation with a physician and dental hygienists to provide routine dental care without the direct supervision of a dentist.  Read more.