By Rep. Scott Fetgatter
There are major healthcare problems in District 16. The problems aren’t unique to the district, but nevertheless, there are major healthcare problems in our community. I believe that part of the reason that you sent me here was to help fix those problems. This past week, I was presented with an opportunity to do just that, and I took it.
FetgatterHouse Bill 1013, also known as the Nursing Practice Act, would allow advanced nurse practitioners to have some of the same privileges as doctors. For rural Oklahoma, this means more people in Oklahoma will be able to provide care that many are currently missing due to healthcare provider shortages.
Now, opponents of this bill, who are mostly doctors, raise the argument that nurse practitioners have less schooling than doctors. I understand this argument. However, Oklahomans are potentially dying due to the state’s severe doctor shortage, and the nurse practitioners are required to have either 10 years of experience or 3 years under a doctor’s direct supervision. Furthermore, one of the things companies look at when deciding to move to an area is the amount of healthcare providers in the region. By increasing this number, we are creating a more industry friendly environment.
I am very pleased to report that a piece of legislation that I coauthored has passed the House. House Bill 1306, also known as the Blue Lives Matters bill, would make the penalty for killing a law enforcement officer either death or life in prison without parole. This is the very least we can do to let law enforcement officers and their families know that the members of this legislature are behind them.
Now, I am a Bulldog (Class of 1987) so you know that I have to give a shout out to the boys’ basketball team who are scheduled to play in the state tournament this weekend. They will be joined at state by the Beggs girls’ basketball team and both the Preston boys’ and girls’ teams. I want to congratulate all the area basketball teams for their success this season.
As always, I consider it a great joy in life to serve you in the Oklahoma Legislature. If you have questions, concerns or feedback, please reach out to my office at (405)557-7373.