Dear PCMS Members, I want to call your attention to a very important issue which will affect your practice.
This Friday, April 15, hospital administrators have been invited to participate in a conference call with The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) to discuss whether or not individual hospitals will be actively supporting the independent practice of CRNPs in our state.
Senate Bill 717 — legislation that eliminates the requirement for nurse practitioners (CRNPs) to collaborate with physicians and allows them to practice independently — remains awaiting consideration in the legislature. It’s quite possible this bill could be considered by the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee in the coming months.
Maintaining physician-led, team-based care in Pennsylvania remains a priority for the Philadelphia County Medical Society and the Pennsylvania Medical Society as we continue to strongly oppose this bill.
We urge all Pennsylvania physicians to do two things:
1. Contact your Senator and reiterate your opposition to SB 717.
2. Contact your local hospital administrator(s) and express to them that you oppose SB 717.
Talking Points:
Keep the Team: FAQ on the Requirements for Collaboration
Keep the Team: Top 7 Reasons to Oppose CRNP Independent Practice
Thank you very much for your attention to this important issue.
Michael A. DellaVecchia MD PhD FACS FICS
154th President
The Philadelphia County Medical Society
2100 Spring Garden Street
Philadelphia, PA 19130
Phone: (215) 563-5343 X 103
