HARRISBURG, October 17, 2023 — State Senator Lisa M. Boscola (D-Northampton) joined by Senator Camera Bartolotta (R-Beaver) hosted a press conference today at the Capitol Fountain in Harrisburg, to highlight the importance of Senate Bill 25, a bipartisan effort aimed at granting full practice authority to nurse practitioners in Pennsylvania. This legislation is primed to make significant strides in improving healthcare accessibility and addressing the shortage of primary care physicians in the state.
Senator Boscola, underscored the bipartisan nature of the initiative, stating, “I’m proud to be part of this bipartisan, and now bicameral effort.”
Addressing the political climate, Senator Boscola noted, “Today’s political climate tends to reward extremist policies, meanwhile bipartisan efforts are often overshadowed. It’s a hard thing to do because it requires a lot of effort, not just grandstanding!”
Senate Bill 25 aims to remove obstacles for nurse practitioners, allowing them to practice to the full extent of their skills and knowledge. Senator Boscola expressed her vision, stating, “Our shared vision behind SB25 is simple: removing obstacles for nurse practitioners, letting their skills shine, and broadening access to quality healthcare.”
Highlighting the bipartisan support for SB25, Senator Boscola noted, “With the support of twenty-nine colleagues from both sides of the aisle, SB25 has the support it needs to clear the Senate, something that has happened twice before, in 2017 and again in 2019.”
Pennsylvania currently lags behind 27 other states in granting full practice authority to nurse practitioners. Senator Boscola stressed the need for Pennsylvania to lead in healthcare policy, stating, “Pennsylvania should lead, not lag. 27 states have paved the way, and it’s time for us to be the next to embrace full-practice authority for nurse practitioners.
Senator Boscola, standing alongside nurse practitioners and a coalition of advocates, concluded: “This press conference is more than symbolic; it’s a call to action. Let’s make Pennsylvania the next state to empower nurse practitioners and bridge the healthcare gap.”
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