The legitimacy of the nurse practitioner as a non-medical surgical assistant: Historical evidence from Australia. Issue 6 (December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hains, Toni; Rowell, David; Strand, Haakan
• Is Part Of: Collegian. Volume 27:Issue 6(2020)
• Page Start: 654
• Page End: 660
• Publication Date: 2020-12
• Subjects: Nurse practitioner -- Private sector patients -- Out of pocket expenses -- Australian Government Healthcare Policy -- Health insurance -- Medicare; Nursing -- Australia -- Periodicals; 610.73099405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.colegn.2020.06.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1322-7696

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Problem: The Non-Medical Surgical Assistant role has been practised in Australia for over 30 years. Despite this, the role remains unregulated, and government policy does not offer a rebate for the private surgical patient when the surgical assistant is not a Medical Practitioner. Aim: To investigate the legitimacy; as outlined by Donabedian; of the Nurse Practitioner performing the role of the surgical assistant in Australia. Methods: Examination of peak professional bodies' guidelines, opinions of other service providers, Australian Government policy and the Australian law. Findings: While not reflected in Government policy, the Nurse Practitioner is a legitimate and lawful provider of intraoperative surgical assisting care in Australia. Discussion: The Medical Benefits Schedule does not reflect contemporary, evidence-based practise or the law concerning the Nurse Practitioner undertaking the role of a surgical assistant, this causes the patient an out of pocket expense or reduced access to care. Conclusion: The Australian Nurse Practitioner is a legitimate and lawful provider of these services.