New Patients' Bill of Rights language threatens APNs

Nurse Practitioner, Apr 2000

Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (NPWH) are monitoring ongoing language changes in the Patients' Bill of Rights bill that is in committee. They have indicated concern about changes in language that would allow direct access only to OB/GYN physicians and not include women's health NPs or nurse midwives.

NPWH maintains that all women deserve direct access to the health care provider they have selected through their plan. The OB/GYN physicians, represented by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists agree that women should have access to a provider of OB/GYN services, including NPs and nurse midwives.

The intent of acceptable language in The Patients' Bill of Rights is not to have a mandate for women to select an NP or nurse midwife, but to have a simple provision that will allow thousands of women direct access to a health care provider they trust and would otherwise choose.