This question deals with the theory of economic regulation. Imagine there are 8000 primary care physicians in the state of Lincoln. They oppose changes to scope of practice regulations currently being debated in the legislature that would bring new increased competition from non-MD providers (changes that would allow nurse practitioners to practice independently). It is expected that these changes would reduce physician incomes by $20,000 and reduce health insurance premiums by $20 for each of the state's 8 million residents.

a.Discuss the impact of the policy change on the average primary care physician and resident of Lincoln and the aggregate impact on the two groups.

b.Based on the theory of economic regulation what action would you expect from the state's legislature.

c.What is the purported public interest argument in favor of scope of practice regulation? Assess the validity of these concerns in this context.