Scope of Practice

The MAFP believes that nurse practitioners and other allied health professionals are a valuable part of the health care team; however, these professionals should always function under the direction and responsible supervision of a practicing, licensed physician.

Legislation Status

In early 2015, legislation was re-introduced that would codify the practice of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and expand their scope to include unrestricted diagnostic and prescriptive authority, responsibilities previously limited in the Michigan Public Health Code to the Practice of Medicine. Introduced by Senate Health Policy Committee Chairman, Mike Shirkey (R-Clarklake), Senate Bill 68 is currently pending before the Senate Health Policy Committee.

MAFP President Tina Tanner, MD and Mary Marshall, MD testified before the Senate Health Policy Committee on March 10, 2015. They emphasized, among other things, the critical role APRNs and other non-physician providers play within the health care team, particularly in medically underserved areas.

Additional Resources

• 2013 MAFP Scope of Practice Briefing Paper
• The American Academy of Family Physicians on Scope of Practice
• Primary Care for the 21st Century White Paper
• Primary Care for the 21st Century Infographic
• Robert Graham Center One-Pager: Relying on NPs and PAs Does Not Avoid the Need for Policy Solutions for Primary Care

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