Question

Which legal documents can NPs sign as the primary provider of care in California? I am trying to look for specifics and having a hard time. Can you also post your reference? I am writing a paper regarding this question.

Answer 1

Sign Death Certificates

When it comes to signing death certificates, physician involvement varies. NPs are fully authorized to sign death certificates in 26 states. In three states (Alaska, Arkansas, and New Jersey), NPs can only sign death certificates under specific conditions. Alaska requires the physician to authorize an NP’s signing and to certify the death certificate within 24 hours. In Arkansas, only hospice-employed NPs can sign death certificates. New Jersey only authorizes NPs to sign death certificates in specified situations. The remaining 21 states plus D.C. only allow physicians to sign death certificates.

Sign Disabled Person Placard Forms

In a majority of states (43 plus D.C.), NPs are legally allowed to sign disabled person placard forms. Only Illinois reduces this ability, allowing NPs to provide proof of disability for “person-with-disabilities” plates, but not for a “handicap license plate.” In the remaining six states, NPs are not able to sign disabled person placard forms.

Authority to sign workers’ compensation claims:

Thirteen states, including California, don’t allow nurse practitioners to do this.

Reference:

1) bartonassociates.com: A Guide to the NP Wheel: Nurse Practitioner Scope of Practice Laws

2) workingnurse.com: Nurse Practitioners' Ongoing Struggle for Autonomy