Patients at Risk

Dr. Robert McLean, a former president of the American College of Physicians and an internist/rheumatologist, passionately discusses the need to eliminate the term 'provider' in healthcare. He uncovers its negative effects on the perception of physicians and patient care. McLean details the disparities in training among healthcare roles and critiques the rise of questionable online APRN programs. He advocates for the 'No Provider Pledge' to restore the sanctity of the physician-patient relationship, emphasizing the importance of empathy and camaraderie among doctors.

Dr. Phil Shaffer and I are back in SC to testify yet again against a bill that would permit unsupervised NP and PA practice after 2,000 hours of experience. In this episode, I share subcommittee chair Senator Tom Davis's perspectives that SC will lose funding from the Rural Health Transformation project without scope expansion. You'll also hear a letter of support from the FTC Office of Policy Planning supporting scope expansion, and PPP's response explaining why the FTC should reconsider it's position in light of newer data.PhysiciansForPatientProtection.org

Jeremy Wattenbarger, a digital forensics investigator and father of the late Betty Wattenbarger, shares his heart-wrenching story of seeking accountability after his daughter died due to a misdiagnosis by a pediatric nurse practitioner. He emphasizes the importance of physician-led care for patient safety and recounts the challenges of navigating regulatory oversight. Jeremy highlights the systemic issues with the Texas Board of Nursing, and raises concerns about removing delegation requirements that could jeopardize accountability in healthcare.

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

Dr. Kaveh Hoda, a gastroenterologist and host of The House of Pod, sheds light on a harrowing incident in the UK where a nurse performed complex ERCPs, resulting in one death and multiple patient harms. The discussion delves into the rigorous training essential for such procedures, the tragic consequences of insufficient oversight, and the broader implications for patient safety in healthcare. Hoda raises critical questions about the qualifications of non-physicians and the necessity of high medical standards amidst a looming healthcare worker shortage.

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

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

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

A patient shares her story of receiving the wrong type of filler into her face by a registered nurse, leading to severe and permanent nerve damage. Francesca explains that the RN, who was in NP school at the time, was not being supervised, and worked in a for-profit clinic owned by a non-physician.While some may argue, "Let the Buyer Beware," Francesca believes that patients are not be in the position to fully understand the qualifications of clinicians being permitted to perform medical procedures, and asks legislators to protect patients like her.Tell us your story: https://www.physiciansforpatientprotection.org/patient-resources/tell-us-your-story/Learn more: PatientsAtRisk.comPhysiciansForPatientProtection.org

Chandani Patel DeZure, a double board-certified physician in pediatrics, joins to discuss a recent AAPA survey highlighting physician support for the independent practice of Physician Assistants (PAs). They delve into the complexities of healthcare autonomy and the implications of the findings, including concerns about misinformation. The conversation sheds light on the evolving dynamics between PAs and physicians, emphasizing the need for accurate data in shaping healthcare legislation and ensuring effective patient care.