NPs in FL could soon prescribe controlled substances

The next time you need a medication, a doctor may not be the one prescribing it. With a massive shortage of primary care physicians across Florida, state lawmakers are pushing a bill to expand the powers of nurse practitioners, allowing them to prescribe controlled substances like painkillers and work without supervision from a doctor. The bill's champion, Rep. Cary Pigman, is an emergency room physician who has supervised nurse practitioners for most of his career. He says Florida has thousands of trained nurse practitioners who can help fill the gap. But the Florida Medical Association and many independent doctors have spoken out against the bill, saying even nurses with advanced training need a doctor's supervision.