Changes are on their way through Parliament that will allow nurse practitioners more statutory powers.This will include nurse practitioners caring for patients being able to certify the cause of death. This will be a welcome change in aged care and in rural areas, helping to reduce unnecessary delays for families. The Health Practitioners Bill has passed its first reading in Parliament  on 19th August and is before the Health Select Committee. There is detailed information about the Bill on the Ministry of Health website and you can find out more about nurse practitioners on the NPNZ website.