Pass the Home Care Planning Improvement Act of 2011 allowing Nurse Practitioners (NPs) to write home health care orders.

There is a shortage of primary care MD and increasing elders who require home health to avoid admission to costly acute or post acute facilities. NPs fill care gaps. Unfortunately home health orders initiated by an NP must be signed by an MD who, more often than not, knows nothing about the particular patient for which orders are being signed.This process requires additional time and risk for error, often resulting in delayed, more costly care delivery.This mandate serves no practical function.NP practice already includes prescriptive authority. NPs have a compelling record of providing quality, cost effective care. Studies consistently demonstrate comparable pt outcomes between NP and MD driven care, with higher satisfaction for NP care.No study substantiates need for MD oversite of NPs