Assistants to primary physicians in California

The mid-level practitioner movement is no longer experimental; nurse practitioners and physician's assistants in California have proved to fill a necessary and viable professional role in the delivery of primary health care. The physician's assistant law (AB2109) and the Experimental Manpower Act (AB1503) have facilitated the training and functioning of these new health care professionals; more comprehensive laws are still needed to permit optimal utilization. National agencies for approval of teaching programs and testing of individual graduates will play an increasing role in the accreditation and certification procedures. Professional role difficulties, issues of sex and questions of delegation of responsibility are being resolved and it is hoped that a more equitable and patient-oriented system is evolving.