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Scope of practice: A discussion of non‐physician providers in care management

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  • Alicia Plemmons

Abstract

Scope of practice is a phrase used to describe the types of services that can be performed by non‐physician healthcare providers. In the United States, the range of services a practitioner may offer is not determined by representatives of the profession, but instead through a state‐level legislative process. Researchers in this space have focused on understanding the effects of these state policies on the accessibility, quality, and cost‐effectiveness of healthcare for patients. As the physician shortage grows, understanding areas where non‐physician providers can bridge this care gap presents potential solutions to healthcare barriers. This introduction outlines the themes of the issue, what has been done in the literature, what is yet to be done, and the current conversation within state and federal legislatures.

Suggested Citation

  • Alicia Plemmons, 2025. "Scope of practice: A discussion of non‐physician providers in care management," Contemporary Economic Policy, Western Economic Association International, vol. 43(1), pages 4-8, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:coecpo:v:43:y:2025:i:1:p:4-8
    DOI: 10.1111/coep.12682
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Shishir Shakya & Alicia Plemmons, 2020. "Does Scope of Practice Affect Mobility of Nurse Practitioners Serving Medicare Beneficiaries?," Journal of Labor Research, Springer, vol. 41(4), pages 421-434, December.
    2. Morris M. Kleiner, 2006. "Licensing Occupations: Ensuring Quality or Restricting Competition?," Books from Upjohn Press, W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, number lo.
    3. Markowitz, Sara & Adams, E. Kathleen & Lewitt, Mary Jane & Dunlop, Anne L., 2017. "Competitive effects of scope of practice restrictions: Public health or public harm?," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 55(C), pages 201-218.
    4. Alex Bryson & Morris M. Kleiner, 2010. "The Regulation of Occupations," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 48(4), pages 670-675, December.
    5. Morris M. Kleiner & Allison Marier & Kyoung Won Park & Coady Wing, 2016. "Relaxing Occupational Licensing Requirements: Analyzing Wages and Prices for a Medical Service," Journal of Law and Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 59(2), pages 261-291.
    6. Morris M. Kleiner, 2016. "Battling over Jobs: Occupational Licensing in Health Care," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 106(5), pages 165-170, May.
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