http://archderm.jamanetwork.com/ en-us Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Tue, 05 Mar 2013 21:43:45 GMT Silverchair editor@archderm.jamanetwork.com webmaster@archderm.jamanetwork.com http://archderm.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleID=1654868 Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Coldiron BM, Brod BA. <span class="paragraphSection">Gillum and Dellavalle point out deeply troubling, contradictory state regulations on the use of medical lasers. The existence of multiple boards with differing regulations and definitions of qualifications of those using a medical laser creates problems. The most disturbing aspect of the article by Gillum and Dellavalle is the confirmation of the unsupervised provision of invasive medical procedures by nurse practitioners (NPs). When NPs or physician assistants (PAs) assist a physician, they are correctly termed medical paraprofessionals. Physician extenders and medical paraprofessionals improve patient access to care and enhance patient care. Having an NP or PA working in teams with physicians is commonplace and accepted by most physicians. Independent practice by paraprofessionals is a wholly different situation from the perspective of patient safety and quality of care.</span> 149 2 140 142 10.1001/jamadermatol.2013.2370 http://archderm.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleID=1654868