NURSE-MANAGED PRIMARY-CARE CENTER

The authors look at many aspects of a nurse-managed primary care cente r within an academic institution, as administrators and practicing cli nicians. This article presents the history of the development of the c enter, the profile of clients and services, the education and preparat ion for the role of nurse practitioner and scope of practice, reimburs ement, legal issues such as collaborative practice and barriers to pra ctice, and risk management. Problems faced by many nurse-managed cente rs are addressed, especially the need for flexibility, with personal a ccounts of how they have been dealt with at this center. An evaluation of the center and its practice model is offered.