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Scope Battles (continued from page 15)
the day, to vote the way physicians want is viewed as a vote against their own profession. In fact, members of these mid-level boards actively advocate for expanded scope, despite the fact their main charge is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of Florida’s pa- tients. In this sense, it is much more difficult to get a favorable outcome at the regulatory level and further illustrates why it is critical to stop scope expansion at the legislative level.
A fact that is underappreciated, or perhaps just unknown, is the broader support for scope expansion. This isn’t “physicians against nurses” or “physicians against optometrists” – this is phy- sicians against all mid-levels, hospitals, insurance companies, consumer advocacy groups and so on. And that is just regard- ing scope battles. Constantly focusing on defense diverts a great deal of time and attention from initiatives that would benefit all healthcare providers and patients, such as legislation that would simplify prior authorizations and step therapy protocols. Unsur- prisingly, mid-level providers are silent when it comes to advanc- ing legislation that would directly benefit patient care.
The landscape may be bleak, but the opportunity to close ranks is present. It is more important than ever to develop personal re- lationships with your local legislators outside of session. Physi-
Physician Wellness (continued)
Your Wellness Moment: We’re about to receive the gift of more time. How will we unwrap it and use it for good?
Resources
LitCovid database of curated PubMed articles
Amaryllis Sánchez Wohlever, MD, is a family medicine phy- sician, author and physician coach specializing in clinician well- ness, leadership development and life-work integration. She is also a graduate of the Florida Medical Association’s Physician Leadership Academy. (Essay reprinted from the Jan. 7, 2021 edition of FMA News, the Florida Medical Association’s weekly newsletter.)
© 2021 Amaryllis Sánchez Wohlever, MD | Impact Writing & Coaching
cians are in the best position to explain the importance of medi- cal training and share firsthand the hardships faced during daily practice. Never underestimate the value of personal relationships and participation in the FMA PAC. Help us help you practice medicine.
HCMA BULLETIN, Vol 66, No. 4 – Spring 2021
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