The American College of Radiology has partnered with the American Medical Association to create advocacy resources on "scope creep."
In healthcare, the term "scope creep" has been used by physician organizations to refer to the expansion of the scope of practice for nonphysician healthcare professionals in areas including pharmacy, primary care, optometry and behavioral health. It is "one of the leading issues that are addressed by state legislatures," according to a June 21 news release from the ACR.
Included in the resources is a scope of practice patient card provided to ACR members and their patients that provides patients questions to ask their healthcare provider such as, "Is a physician available if I have any questions during or after my visit?" and, "Will a physician be involved or overseeing my care and treatment plan?"
Meanwhile, advanced practice providers such as nurse practitioners have argued that they provide high-quality care and that limiting the expansion of the scope of practice would delay access to healthcare amid widespread clinician shortages.
The American Association of Nurse Practitioners recently sent a letter to Congress in support of the Improving Care and Ac˚cess to Nurses Act, which would allow other healthcare providers besides physicians to provide certain services under Medicare and Medicaid.
The AMA has opposed the ICAN Act.