Nurse Practitioners

Here's a rundown of what each one is, along with a preview of one of Alachua County's August school board races.

It is the first time senators have agreed to consider the idea of allowing advanced practice registered nurses to provide care independently from physicians.

The inadequate staffing has led to waiting lists, fewer counseling sessions and the need to rely on off-campus services, which are not covered by student health fees.

The law, signed Thursday by Gov. Rick Scott, will allow nurse practitioners and physician's assistants to issue seven-day prescriptions for drugs like hormone and pain medication.

In a final flurry of activity from the legislative session, Gov. Rick Scott this week will take action on heavily debated health, education and tax…

Florida is the only state that does not allow nurse practitioners to prescribe controlled substances and one of two states that does not permit physician's assistants the same privilege. A bill in the Florida legislature granting health professionals these prescribing privileges has stalled.

Nurse practitioners could soon gain the ability to prescribe medications with a bill moving through the Florida Legislature. Patients could see shorter wait times and fewer trips to the doctor.