HB 1013 Gains Momentum
Momentum is building behind HB 1013, which would let nurse practitioners put their full education and training to use caring for Oklahomans. The measure passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives last week and is waiting on a hearing in a Senate committee.
That momentum isn’t surprising. A large majority of Oklahomans supports the idea, according to a poll conducted by AARP Oklahoma.
The poll, released in January 2016, asked 410 likely voters, “Do you support or oppose allowing nurse practitioners, who have advanced training, to serve as the primary or acute care provider of record for a patient?” In response, 86.7% said they support allowing a nurse practitioner to operate with full practice authority.
The truth is, Oklahomans want better access to quality, affordable health care. Too many Oklahomans drive long distances and wait days for appointments. It’s not just about the inconvenience of long drives; it’s a problem that harms the health of our residents.
Some opponents of HB 1013 have argued it would create a “two-tier” health care system. Nothing could be further from the truth.
A number of studies have looked at the health outcomes of patients who see physicians vs. those who see nurse practitioners. Those studies overwhelmingly concluded that nurse practitioners have patient outcomes equivalent to those of doctors.
The National Governors Association reviewed the evidence and wrote, “None of the studies in NGA’s literature review raise concerns about the quality of care offered by NPs. Most studies showed that NP-provided care is comparable to physician-provided care on several process and outcome measures. Moreover, the studies suggest that NPs may provide improved access to care.”
The truth is that Oklahoma already has a two-tier health care system. HB 1013 is a step toward addressing that. Sixty-four of Oklahoma’s 77 counties are designated as primary care shortage areas and our state ranks 49th in physician-to-patient ratio. Our state ranks 46th in health overall. Oklahoma needs more health care providers.
HB 1013 is hardly a radical idea. Just last month South Dakota became the 22nd state to authorize nurse practitioners to work to the full extent of their education and training. HB 1013 is a simple, common-sense step forward in addressing the provider shortage.
Oklahomans deserve the same consumer choice and access to care that residents of nearly half the states already enjoy. If you agree, please contact your state Senator and ask them to support HB 1013.