Nurses and treatment

Re: Feb. 25 commentary "Who'll be there to care for me?"

Local contributor Dr. Kurt Frederick discussed projected primary care physician shortages. I agree with his assessment of the problem. I disagree with the solution he offered.

No subsidy is needed to educate health care providers in Texas. There are 7,500 well-prepared health care providers ready to provide quality care. Because of restrictive laws, nurse practitioners are unable to practice to the full extent of their education.

In 33 states and Washington, D.C., NPs diagnose and prescribe without the complex restrictions that exist in Texas. There is no evidence these restrictions improve health care, and the Texas Health Care Policy Council supports the use of NPs to improve access to care in the counties that are medically underserved — about 90 percent of them.

House Bill 1107 would remove bureaucracy and allow NPs to treat patients. Please support this important legislation. Texans need access to quality care now.

JoEllen Wynne

Associate director of education

American Academy of Nurse Practitioners

Austin