From a patient's point of view....

It used to be so simple – there were doctors and nurses, and you understood what each one did. Now it's so confusing. How does a nurse practitioner compare with...a "regular" nurse? a doctor? a physician assistant?
A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse who has obtained a master's degree in a nursing field and has obtained additional clinical training. A study by the federal Office of Technology Assessment indicated that NPs perform between 50% and 70% of the services of a general practice physician. Training for NPs is not the same as that for a physician assistant. A PA is trained to assist a physician, while NPs have advanced training in nursing and do not necessarily assist a physician.

Can I use a nurse practitioner as my PCP?
Yes, under Maine law, NPs have the opportunity to become credentialed as a Primary Care Provider (PCP). Many have been credentialed, but you should check with your NP or with your insurer to be sure.

Are NPs covered by insurance?
Yes, any service or procedure which is covered when performed by a physician is also covered when performed by an NP, as long as it is within the scope of practice of the NP.

I thought nurse practitioners had to work "under" a doctor, but now I see lots of NPs that appear to be in practice by themselves, without a doctor. What's up with that?
A nurse practitioner who has worked under the supervision of a doctor for 24 months can then practice independently upon submission of evidence to the Board of Nursing of the period of supervision.

Can NPs write prescriptions if I need medication?
Yes, NPs can prescribe most medications, including Schedules II, III, IV, and V. They are assigned their own prescribing number by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency.

Can they operate?
Some NPs are trained to perform minor surgical procedures.

From a practitioner's point of view....

How do I join MNPA?
To join MNPA, you may download the printable membership application as a PDF file and send your completed application to the MNPA office.

Why should I join MNPA?
The MNPA gives you a lobbying presence at the State House, educational opportunities, and a vital link to other NPs. (Follow the MEMBERSHIP link for more info.)

Why would I need a lobbyist?
Thanks to MNPA's success at lobbying the Maine legislature, Maine's NPs work under some of the most progressive nurse practitioner legislation in the nation. MNPA won for NPs the right to independent practice in 1995, and the opportunity to become PCPs in 2000. MNPA also won the right for NPs to prescribe Schedule II drugs, and the right to be assigned unique provider identification numbers by all insurers and HMOs. None of these successes would have occurred without the support of MNPA and its members.

Can MNPA help me with my continuing education?
Yes, MNPA offers three major workshops and conferences each year at which CEUs are awarded for a wide range of topics.

Do you sell your mailing list?
MNPA makes its mailing list available for programs or announcements it believes would be of interest to or benefit the membership. Each request for access to the list is reviewed by the board of directors.

I'm moving to another state. Can you help me get in touch with the right people there?
Yes, we can help you get in touch with nurse practitioners in the state you will be moving to. You can start by checking out our LINKS page. If you don't find what you need there, call the MNPA office for assistance.