Highmark recruits NPs as primary-care providers

Highmark, Pennsylvania's Blue Cross and Blue Shield licensee, is recruiting certified registered nurse practitioners who would like to operate in a similar capacity as a primary-care physician.

Healthcare reform legislation "will likely mean more people will be getting healthcare coverage and seeking healthcare services," said Dr. Carey Vinson, Highmark vice president of quality and medical performance management, in a news release. "By recognizing CRNPs' ability to work up to the full scope of their medical license, it will allow greater access for members."

The release noted that Highmark was making nurse training programs aware of the new network primary-care CRNP designation and reaching out to nurses across the state who might be interested in working within that designation.