Content about nurse practitioner

A new report by Accenture ACN states that the number of U.S. retail-based health clinics will double and drive $800 million in annual cost savings by 2015.

Well, it's not just DSN saying it anymore. The massive ramp up is happening and, according to Accenture, the number of retail clinics is expected to increase 20% to 25% per year between now and 2015, and double from 1,418 to 2,868 clinics in that time period.

Beverly Malone, CEO for the National League for Nursing, is not only among the country’s most vocal leaders in the national conversation about the nurse educator shortage and the role of nursing in ensuring access to safe, quality and culturally competent care to diverse patient populations. She is also the 2013 winner of the Loretta Ford CARE Lifetime Achievement Award.

Are retail clinics a fad or a permanent and viable part of the healthcare landscape?

LAS VEGAS — The Drug Store News Group, in conjunction with the Convenient Care Association, hosted the sixth annual Retail Clinician Education Congress at the Planet Hollywood resort and casino last month. In addition to the annual CARE Awards (i.e., Clinician Achievement in Retail Excellence), which celebrate the excellence in patient care delivery at the nurse practitioner/physician assistant level, the event also featured a special roundtable discussion with top retail clinic leaders.

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — Take Care Health Systems, which is owned by Walgreens, has made a “founder’s gift” of $100,000 to the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Foundation to help further nurse practitioner education by supporting the Foundation’s Scholarship and Grant Fund.

As leaders in primary and acute care, the 140,000 NPs in the United States play a vital role in the healthcare system and are a key component of the solution for increasing the public’s access to high-quality, affordable care post-reform.

LAS VEGAS — Among the highlights of this year’s Retail Clinician Education Congress, currently taking place here in Las Vegas, was a CEO/Leadership Panel and the Clinician Awards for Excellence.

 The 2013 RCEC conference, which is hosted by the Drug Store News Group in conjunction with the Convenient Care Association and Partners in Healthcare Education, is being held at the Planet Hollywood Resort in Las Vegas. It runs from May 14 to May 16.

WASHINGTON — Walgreens Take Care Health Systems and the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties are sponsoring a new program to support the clinical education of nurse practitioners, the two announced.

"NONPF is very pleased to have the support of a strong clinical leader such as Take Care Health Systems," president Debra Barksdale said. "The important role that NPs play by providing care at Take Care Clinics and the clinical education of NP students makes this a natural partnership."

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. — The Foundation for Health Smart Consumers has announced a major expansion of its smoking cessation initiative through the Inspire Program, which will launch at the annual Retail Clinician Education Congress held in May in Las Vegas. The initial phase of Inspire will continue through 2014.

NEW YORK — “It’s time to unlock the gates to the primary care club” and allow nurse practitioners to practice to the full extent of their education and training. That was a key message of a physician-authored article that recently ran in Slate magazine.
 

Three bills that were introduced in California would recognize pharmacists as healthcare providers and would enable pharmacists, nurse practitioners and optometrists to practice to the full extent of their education and training.

The reality is that industry observers can expect to see more states considering similar measures as they all prepare a roadmap to lower costs by allowing pharmacists and NPs to practice at the top of their professions.

NEW YORK — Target is expanding its retail clinic presence in the Chicago area, according to published reports.

The Chicago Tribune reported Wednesday that the mass merchandise retailer would open three clinics — two in the suburbs and one in the city. Construction is scheduled to start on May 28, and grand openings are planned for Aug. 18. The Target on Division Street, scheduled to open in October, will also have a clinic.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. and GREENVILLE, S.C. — MinuteClinic and Greenville Hospital System — South Carolina's largest health system, with five medical campuses, outpatient and specialty centers and a large network of physician practices — have entered into a clinical affiliation to enhance access to healthcare services in upstate South Carolina.