AANP Response to May 30 New York Times Article

"That a single veteran has died while awaiting a medical appointment at a Veterans Administration hospital is unconscionable. Those who point to a shortage of physicians as the main contributing factor to this nightmare are shortsighted (Doctor Shortage is Cited in Delays at VA Hospitals – May 30). The VA is one of the largest employers of nurse practitioners in the nation. For almost five decades, these highly educated and skilled health care professionals have diagnosed and treated patients and prescribed medication with outcomes similar or better than those of physicians. However, arbitrary restrictions sought by organized medicine at the VA limit the care that nurse practitioners can provide. Leading authorities, including the Federal Trade Commission, AARP and National Governors Association, support granting nurse practitioners full practice authority. It's about time the VA did the same. Easing restrictions on NPs will address the physician shortage and improve care. Our military heroes deserve no less."

David Hebert
Chief Executive Officer
American Association of Nurse Practitioners

Source: AANP E-Bulletin