Florida policy leaders, educators and healthcare providers gathered for a symposium Tuesday hosted by Gunster law firm at the University of South Florida’s Center of Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation in Tampa to discuss expanding access to healthcare, reports Daylina Miller of WUSF.
The main topic introduced by panelists was a twice-failed bill to allow certain medical professionals to operate more like doctors, including the power to prescribe medications and operate independently.
State Sen. Joe Negron said it is likely to be a hot button topic during the legislature’s regular session.
“I think there will be scope of practice issues, not only with nurse practitioners, but also with physician’s assistants and whether or not they should be permitted to prescribe controlled substances,” the Stuart Republican said.