Drugstore clinics look to expand scope of practice.

According to the Chicago Tribune, several large pharmacy companies plan to increase the range of specialized services found in their outpatient clinics to include care for "sprains and strains" and injections for chronic conditions such as osteoporosis. The retail clinic model has been supported by health insurers, employers, and consumer groups as one way to address rising numbers of the uninsured. However, some critics argue that patients with certain conditions would be better served by physicians—especially if the physician has a history with the patient. Retail clinics must operate under physician supervision but are often staffed by nurse practitioners.
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