May 19, 2013
ATLANTA (AP) -- Georgia is looking for answers as it confronts a looming shortage of doctors.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that projections show the state will fall about 5,000 physicians short of needed levels by 2030.
The state will be under pressure to loosen its tight restrictions on nurse practitioners and physician assistants to meet demands for care. Such professionals can take some of the load off doctors by seeing patients.
But many doctors oppose changing the rules, which they say helps protect quality patient care. Many physicians have fought for years against state legislation aimed at giving nurse practitioners greater autonomy.
Georgia is currently ranked 41st nationally for its supply of doctors.
