Thursday, February 21, 2008
Bob Blumm, MA, PA-C, DFAAPA
APCToday Editorial Board Member
President, American College of Clinicians
The headlines read: “LI hospital scrutinized after deaths of patients,” and “MD’s aide is eyed in 3 hosp deaths.” Unfortunately, the press does not always seek the truth before reporting; sensationalism sells newspapers and captivates our attention on radio and TV news.
The setting for these stories is Mercy Medical Center in Nassau County, New York, an entity owned and operated by Catholic Health Services of Long Island which is routinely rated number one in New York State. The issue relates to three patients who allegedly died as a result of the services of a physician assistant (PA) – not an “MD aide.” The accuser in this tale, who charged that the PA improperly performed invasive procedures without adequate supervision, is a licensed surgeon who is a member of the medical staff.
What seems to be missing from the press reports is that the PA in question has a proven track record of providing excellent medical care, while the physician is under disciplinary action from the Medical Board at Mercy (this occurred prior to his allegations to the news media). The hospital has supported the PA in this action and the NYS Department of Health and Office of Professional Medical Conduct is investigating the entire scenario.
The ideal situation would have been a press release after the investigation was concluded. As it stands, the casualties include a devastated PA, bad press for Mercy Medical Center, confused and angry patients and their families, and an unnecessarily tarnished image for PAs.
Can there be a sliver lining in the midst of this conundrum? If there is one, it is the opportunity it provides for unity among the larger community of Advanced Practice Clinicians (APCs), a group that includes PAs and nurse practitioners (NPs). In this worst of times lies the chance to stand together and fight for the integrity of our professions.
This situation has infuriated both PAs and NPs. We are acutely aware of the ricochet effect this can have on how people view us. To counter this possibility, reporters for the NY Times and the NY Post have been deluged with letters from rank and file NPs and PAs, from the public relations committee of NYSSPA (the NY state PA society), and from the ACC (American College of Clinicians).
NYSSPA has a crisis team working on this issue. Greg Bennett, president of the AAPA (American Academy of Physician Assistants), states that his organization will be backing NYSSPA’s position. The ACC will continue to be on the front lines, responding in print and legislatively with the active support of our members.
If more good can be found, it is the opportunity it creates for State and National PA/NP associations to expand their memberships. It is the responsibility of these societies and associations to exam the facts and support their members when incidents like this occur. It is also a chance for leaders of NP and PA organizations to come to the same table to share concerns and advocate for each other.
Have your read the news stories about this situation? Do you have comments or suggestions to offer? Post your comment on this blog, or send an email to apctoday@dowdenhealth.com.
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