* Lack of health insurance is a critical factor in access to appropriate health services and is directly associated with poor functioning, increased morbidity and mortality, lack of continuity of care, and rising health care costs.

* Nurse-managed clinics (NMCs) can serve as an important safety net in the health care delivery system by offering needed health services to the poor and underinsured populations.

* Indicators of quality of care at NMCs include removing barriers to care, improving health care access, and developing therapeutic relationships with nurse practitioners.

* Much evidence also exists that nurse-managed clinics improve the use of preventative services, aid in the ...