NPs are valuable members of the health care system, but wide variation in "scope of practice" laws means that their ability to deliver care to patients differs dramatically from state to state. This issue brief summarizes the results of a national survey of NP scope of practice laws, reviews recent legislative attempts to rework California's statutes, and discusses opportunities for expanding the state's use of NPs to address physician shortages and rising health care costs.

To view the full issue brief published by the California Healthcare Foundation, click here.