With a shortage of primary care doctors, many states are expanding the authority of nurse practitioners. Nurse practitioners are registered nurses with an advanced degree in nursing, who have the power to practice without a physician’s supervision, prescribe controlled substances and perform most of the same tasks as physicians.

The American Medical Association believes that a doctor shortage is not a reason to put nurses in charge and endanger patients. Nurse practitioners, on the other hand, say there is no danger and that they are as highly trained and as skilled as doctors.

Generally, nurse practitioners are capable for treating routine and common illnesses. However, if you have a complex medical condition or a potentially life-threatening medical issue, you should insist on seeing a doctor. Doctors possess much more training, education, and knowledge than a nurse practitioner.