Nurse practitioners key to solving primary-care shortages

Regarding the story “VA proposal to expand scope of nurse practice could ease shortage” (ModernHealthcare.com, June 2), I believe it is very important that we give the men and women who fought for our country the access to healthcare they deserve. Nurse practitioners are welltrained individuals who can help address these healthcare shortages in the Veterans Affairs system.

Nurse practitioners, through their specialized training, stand ready to provide quality, cost-effective healthcare to address the rising need for primary-care providers and decrease healthcare disparities across this nation. Many state regulations prevent these practitioners from using their professional skills to help fill the gaps within our healthcare system. I believe that the VA proposal is the first step in recognizing these practitioners’ ability to help provide care for vulnerable populations.

Jessica Maffett Pontotoc, Miss.