Drs. Bernard and Shaffer testify before the South Carolina Legislature on scope of practice
The South Carolina Legislature has introduced bills that would allow unsupervised practice to nurse practitioners and physician assistants after 2000 hours of experience, as well as a bill that would expand pharmacist privileges. On the flip side, there's also a bill that would enhance team-based care, ensuring that physicians remain in the lead of medical care and strengthening requirements and enforcement of physician oversight. Today, you'll hear just a small part of the very, very long two days of testimony before the South Carolina legislature on these bills. Dr. Phil Schaffer and I were invited by the South Carolina Medical Association and we were asked specifically to focus on data - specifically, the evidence to support unsupervised practice. Take a listen to our testimony and at the end you'll hear a few questions from legislators. IF YOU'RE A SOUTH CAROLINA PHYSICIAN, please join and support the South Carolina Medical Association (SCMA) - they are working hard to fight for physician-led care. https://www.scmedical.org/PhysiciansForPatientProtection.org
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25 patients harmed and one dies after nurse permitted to perform ERCPs
One patient died and 25 others were found to have been harmed when a nurse was permitted to perform complex medical procedures in the UK.Gastroenterologist Dr. Kaveh Hoda joins me to discuss the necessary training to perform an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), a procedure most commonly used to remove gallstones. From the BBC article: 68 patients underwent ERCPs with a 'single consultant nurse', and a review found that 58 received "substandard" care from the service between 2016-21, including 25 who "suffered some degree of harm". https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clym224qgdyoAs nurses and PAs continue to advocate for more privileges, could this happen in the US?PhysiciansForPatientProtection.org
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A daughter's heartbreak: "My father died when an NP missed his pulmonary embolus"
In this episode of 'Patients at Risk,' Angie Pereira shares the heartbreaking story of losing her father due to a misdiagnosed pulmonary embolism by a nurse practitioner in an after-hours clinic. Despite her father's presenting symptoms of shortness of breath and leg pain, strong family history of blood clots, and normal lung exam, the nurse practitioner diagnosed him with pneumonia, leading to his untimely death the next day. Angie emphasizes the need for proper physician oversight and questions the push for independent practice for nurse practitioners. The discussion extends to issues of legislative accountability, corporate healthcare’s role in potentially compromising patient care, and the necessity for patients to advocate for themselves to ensure high-quality medical care. Angie's story highlights the broader implications of inadequate training and supervision in healthcare, especially affecting rural communities.PhysiciansForPatientProtection.org
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BONUS EPISODE: Webinar on NP/ PA Unsupervised Practice of Medicine (UPM) Legislative Trends
Rebekah Bernard discusses the legislative trends and impacts of allowing non-physician practitioners (NPs and PAs) to practice medicine unsupervised. She highlights the extensive training and hours required for physicians compared to the significantly less training for NPs and PAs. Bernard explains how legislative changes have allowed NPs and PAs to practice independently in many states, often with less experience and training compared to physicians. She delves into the history of physician shortage concerns, influenced by flawed reports from the 1980s that led to restricted physician production and the promotion of NPs and PAs as substitutes. Bernard outlines the growth of NP and PA roles, the diluted quality of NP education, and the increasing trend of independent practice. The talk also addresses the disparities in healthcare quality and outcomes when care is provided by non-physician practitioners instead of physicians. Bernard advocates for prioritizing the production of properly trained physicians and ensuring physician-led care as well as holding NP leadership accountable for maintaining educational standards.PhysiciansForPatientProtection.org
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"My NP education was not designed for independent practice": From RN to NP to Physician
Dr. Denise Weiss always wanted to be a physician, but circumstances led her into nursing. She earned an associate's degree as a registered nurse, and then became a family nurse practitioner. After several years of practice, she realized that her education had not prepared her for independent practice, and she decided to return to school to become a physician. Now a practicing anesthesiologist, Dr. Weiss explains the differences between nursing and medical education, and why physician-led care matters.PatientsAtRisk.comGet the books, available in paperback, eBook, and Audible: Patients at Risk: https://www.amazon.com/Patients-Risk-Practitioner-Physician-Healthcare/dp/1627343164Imposter Doctors: https://www.amazon.com/Imposter-Doctors-Patients-at-Risk/dp/1627344438/PhysiciansForPatientProtection.org
Patients at Risk exposes the political maneuvering and corporate greed that has led to the replacement of physicians by lesser trained practitioners, including nurse practitioners and physician assistants. As corporations seek to save money and government agencies aim to increase constituent access, minimum qualifications for our nation’s healthcare guardians continue to decline—with deadly consequences. This is a story that has not yet been told, and one that has dangerous repercussions for all Americans.
New Zealand