Provider Deficit

Introduction:

The United States is experiencing a deficit in healthcare providers, especially physicians. This deficit is expected to increase as the population segment aged sixty-five and older continues to rapidly age. As a result of the increasing demand, some state boards are expanding the scope of practice for advanced practice nurses (nurse practitioners), physician assistants, and other clinicians (clinical psychologists and others) to perform duties traditionally reserved for a licensed physician. For example, in some states, nurse practitioners have the authority to prescribe medications. Likewise, pharmacists are permitted to provide flu shots.

Despite intentions to fill the gap of a provider deficit, changing the scope of practice for healthcare professionals has received mixed reviews. Many healthcare associations and medical societies are voicing their strong opposition to these practices.

Considering the recent paradigm shift in healthcare, discuss this movement and its implications for competition. How can change the prescribed privileges of a provider affect competition? What benefits and challenges exist as a result of expanding the scope of practice for a clinician? Considering this new entry into the market, is this type of competition considered disruptive innovation? Why or why not?