A nurse practitioner speaks with her patient. | Boston Globe via Getty Images Have you ever caught yourself squinting at the acronyms next to your health care provider’s name? MD, DO, NP, PA… The medical workforce has changed. While the United States has long faced a doctor (MD or DO) shortage, there are now more nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) than ever before. More states are giving them a broad license to perform medical services on their own. A PA could prescribe you medication during a hospital stay. An NP could set up their own clinic in your area and ru...

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