Based on the trend toward greater reliance on new health practitioners, this book focuses on the nurse practitioner and the physician's assistant. The first of four sections describes the nurse practitioner and the physician's assistant and what their functions are in the delivery of health care services. Discussing why new health practitioners are needed, section 2 expounds on how they will affect the supply of primary care services and how they can influence the rising cost of health care. The third section addresses the acceptance and effectiveness of new health practitioners by professional personnel and consumers. The final section discusses impediments to the full potential and utilization of new health practitioners such as licensure and the question of reimbursement for services. An annotated bibliography of suggested readings is included. (LRA)