Nope, not a post on the dysfunction of the health care system, just on the wonderful New York State politics at play. Today, accidental governor Patterson vetoed a bill that had passed both NYS Senate and Assembly that would have allowed NPs to sign DNR orders. There were apparently some language/technical issues with the Bill. However, the most disturbing piece here is the Governors complete and total lack of understanding what NPs do (no real surprise there). He was quoted, "Finally, I am not convinced that this is an appropriate function to be carried out by nurse practitioners. Decisions of life and death should be made by physicians, not nurse practitioners.” Not convinced?!? Didn't you just sign a bill that eliminated collaborative agreements between physicians and nurse midwives? (That would be life). Ever hear of hospice care? (That would be death). I wonder if he understands exactly who is spending time with hospice patients in their final days of life. It is the tea...
This is my blog that will highlight current issues, trends and policies affecting Nurse Practitioners and the health care system today.