What can a Nurse Practitioner do in Washington, D.C.?
This is the Scope of Practice for a Nurse Practitioner in DC:
- No MD involvement required
- Explicit authority to diagnose
- Explicit authority to refer
- Authority to prescribe without MD involvement
- Authority to prescribe controlled substances
- National Board Certification required
What is the difference between a Registered Nurse (RN) and a Nurse Practitioner (NP)?
NP’s have graduate, advanced education and clinical training beyond their RN preparation. Cathlene Scoblionko MSN, RN, ANP-BC, on NIHA staff, has a masters degree and Board Certification, a national recognition of a level of competence.
Holistic Primary Care at NIHA
Do I have to see the MD first?
No, in the District of Columbia MD oversight is not necessary because NP’s are considered primary care providers in their own right. NP’s are highly trained to diagnose and treat and can refer to an MD, if needed. Cathy Scoblionko has a wide network of providers in and outside of NIHA for referral.
What is the difference between traditional primary care and holistic primary care?
A holistic primary care provider will perform all traditional primary care services such as history, physical exam, preventive and diagnostic testing, and prescription of medication for acute and chronic disease. The holistic approach also offers a partnership with the practitioner for expanded lifestyle and nutritional changes, opportunities for natural therapies, and integration of mind, body and spirit. The goal is optimal health, not just treating disease.
I already have a doctor at NIHA why would I want/need to see Cathy?
Many of our doctors are specialists and you may be working with them on specific health issues. If that is the case you may want to consider choosing Cathy Scoblionko as your Primary Care provider for your annual physical, to optimize your goals for anti-aging, to coordinate treatment plans or treat an acute condition or illness that might occur.
Meet Cathlene Scoblionko, Board Certified Nurse Practitioner at NIHA
Title: MSN, RN, Board Certified Nurse Practitioner (ANP-BC)
Practice Philosophy: Every living being is a unique manifestation of the universe and deserves to be respected and treated as such.
Professional: In addition to her practice, Cathy is completing a masters in acupuncture and a fellowship in anti-aging medicine, and is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, American Academy of Anti Aging Medicine, American Association of University Women, Holistic Nurses Association, and Physicians Committe for Responsible Medicine.
Areas of Focus: Holistic Primary Care, Preventive Health, Women’s Health, Anti-aging Medicine, Natural Therapies
