'Really frustrating': Amid coronavirus, Missouri nurse practitioners want more autonomy

JEFFERSON CITY — In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, multiple states have given highly trained nurses more leeway to provide care without a doctor’s supervision.

While Missouri has relaxed some of its rules, the state’s nurse practitioners are asking Gov. Mike Parson’s administration to do more, arguing that many of the regulations are unnecessary and even harmful.

“Missouri is the most restrictive state in the nation,” said JoAnn Franklin, who has worked as a nurse practitioner in Missouri since the late 1970s. “A lot of states right now, because of COVID-19, have taken all barriers away.”

Nurse practitioners have at least a master’s degree and go through more training than registered nurses, according to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. They are a type of advanced practice registered nurse and are certified by a national board.

Read more: https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/really-frustrating-amid-coronavirus-missouri-nurse-practitioners-want-more-autonomy/article_5e6583be-314e-59a3-88c6-b7908df72577.html