Today the Senate Finance Committee passed the Health Care Reform Bill which, reportedly, will reduce the number of uninsured persons by half. Up to this date the media has focused on reforming’ the health care system, dollars for health care, and the concerns of  ’big pharma’ and  physicians. There has been very little talk about the most important component of reform.

The most important aspect of this reform is the state of wellness and the prevention of illness among citizens. Nurse Practitioners  (NPs), Registered Professional Nurses (RNs) and Physician Assistants (PAs) are at the forefront of preventative health care and optimal wellness.

Nurse Practitioners own private practices, are the only health care provider in some areas of the United States, they provide telemedicine in rural areas, work in government on Capital Hill, are first assistants in surgical procedures, make house calls and the list goes on.

Nurse Practitioners will be providing a major portion of health care that will be administered  in the near future. At present, there are 23 states that do not require physician involvement or collaboration for an NP to open a private practice. Unfortunately, New York is not one of those states and as a result, New York will continue to over-spend on heathcare. The bills A765 and S2948  to remove collaborating physicians for NPs was stalled in the committees of higher education in govermental chambers. 

Who will care for the Wise Elders and the sick in rurual and urban areas? who will provide preventative and well care? These are a few of the reasons,  it is important to revisit  the blog post Nurse Practitioner: Why You Should See One.

When was the last time you visited  your NP? Did you know it was a NP who provided your health care? Do you refer to the NP as “my doctor”? I’d like to hear your thoughts on this subject. Leave your comments below.