In this March 22, 2010 photo, Amanda Cockrell, 32, left, a nurse practitioner at Rush Lifetime Medical Associates examines Joseline Nunez, 26, in Chicago. With a looming shortage of primary care doctors, 28 states are considering expanding the authority of nurse practitioners. These nurses with advanced degrees want the right to practice without a doctor's watchful eye and to prescribe narcotics. And if they hold a doctorate, they want to be called 'Doctor.'

AP/ John Smierciak

In this March 22, 2010 photo, Amanda Cockrell, 32, left, a nurse practitioner at Rush Lifetime Medical Associates examines Joseline Nunez, 26, in Chicago. With a looming shortage of primary care doctors, 28 states are considering expanding the authority of nurse practitioners. These nurses with advanced degrees want the right to practice without a doctor's watchful eye and to prescribe narcotics. And if they hold a doctorate, they want to be called "Doctor."

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