Scope of practice: A discussion of non-physician providers in care management

Abstract

Scope of practice is a phrase used to describe the types of services that can be performed by non-physician healthcare providers. In the United States, the range of services a practitioner may offer is not determined by representatives of the profession, but instead through a state-level legislative process. Researchers in this space have focused on understanding the effects of these state policies on the accessibility, quality, and cost-effectiveness of healthcare for patients. As the physician shortage grows, understanding areas where non-physician providers can bridge this care gap presents potential solutions to healthcare barriers. This introduction outlines the themes of the issue, what has been done in the literature, what is yet to be done, and the current conversation within state and federal legislatures.