Expanding the Role of Nurse Practitioners
In September 2020, California passed AB 890, which opened the pathway for nurse practitioners (NPs) to treat patients without physician supervision. This was one of the California Future Health Workforce Commission’s priority recommendations to address the state’s shortage of health care workers. Prior to AB 890, California was one of only 22 states - and the only western state - to restrict NPs by requiring physician oversight.
In September 2020, California passed AB 890, which opened the pathway for nurse practitioners (NPs) to treat patients without physician supervision. This was one of the California Future Health Workforce Commission’s priority recommendations to address the state’s shortage of health care workers. Prior to AB 890, California was one of only 22 states - and the only western state - to restrict NPs by requiring physician oversight.
As of early 2022, the Board of Registered Nursing is in the process of promulgating regulations that will heavily influence how quickly and effectively AB 890 can be implemented. The state legislature is also considering steps that could affect NP independent practice.
This collection highlights the evidence base and expert insights around NP practice, often drawing on data and best practices from other states, to inform the California policy conversation around AB 890 and its implementation.
