June 2, 2004

Re:      Increasing Scope of Practice: Critical Questions in Assuring Public Access and Safety

Dear Colleague:

Last year, the Federation of State Medical Boards established the Special Committee on Scope of Practice to develop information outlining patient safety and quality of care issues that should be considered by state health professional regulatory boards and legislators when considering changes in scope of practice for non-physician practitioners, and when considering proposals to bypass accepted standards in order to extend health care services to underserved areas.

In developing its report, the Special Committee reviewed factors contributing to increases in requests for scope of practice expansion, including: fluctuations in the health care workforce and specific health care specialties; geographic and economic disparities in access to health care services; economic incentives for physicians and non-physician practitioners; and consumer demand. The Committee also examined recommendations relating to scope of practice from the Institute of Medicine and the Pew Health Commission Taskforce on Health Care Workforce Regulation. Input was received from the American Medical Association and the American Osteopathic Association.  A representative of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing participated as a consultant to the Committee.

A draft of the report, Increasing Scope of Practice: Critical Questions in Assuring Public Access and Safety, is being circulated herewith for comment.  All comments will be reviewed and considered by the Special Committee prior to submission of its final report to the House of Delegates in April 2005. 

Comments must be in writing and returned to Lisa Robin by mail, e-mail at lrobin@fsmb.org, or fax to 817-868-4153. Comments will be accepted until July 15, 2004.  If you have questions, please call Lisa Robin at 817-868-4053.

Sincerely,

James A. Bolton, PhD

Chair, Special Committee on Scope of Practice