The delivery of Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment Program services by NPs in a nursing center

Enacted in 1967 as a required component of the Medicaid program, the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment Program combines outreach, health screening, follow-up care for detected conditions, and case management. This article describes the delivery of this program's services by nurse practitioners in an academic nursing center. Detailed are the Nursing Center's activities to develop a services contract for the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment Program and to improve client access. Issues discussed include protocol development, prescriptive authority and referral to health care providers accepting Medicaid. Services are evaluated by auditors, faculty, students and clients. The article concludes with suggestions for other providers or potential providers of the program.