HARRISBURG – Gov. Edward G. Rendell congratulated members of the Pennsylvania House for approving several measures to expand access to health care — an important objective of his “Prescription for Pennsylvania” health care reform initiative.
“I’m heartened by House approval of measures that reflect the principles in Prescription for Pennsylvania to improve the quality and availability of health care for all Pennsylvanians,” Rendell said. “These bills will make it easier for patients to seek appropriate care where and when they need it, and also help to reduce costs.”
Rendell said he wants to ensure that all licensed health care providers — including advanced nurse practitioners, midwives, and others — are able to practice medicine to the fullest extent of their education and training. By eliminating barriers in existing laws that restrict the services they may provide, Pennsylvanians will enjoy greater access to health care.
The bills approved by the House include:
HB1251 and 1252 – Physicians’ Assistants
HB1253 – Certified Nurse Practitioners
HB1254 – Clinical Nurse Specialists
HB1255 – Nurse Midwives
More information about Rendell’s Prescription for Pennsylvania plan may be found online.