January 28, 2022

LEGISLATIVE CALL TO ACTION -
Senate Public Health Committee Members
THE SITUATION:
We truly appreciate all the family physicians who have called their legislators about the Scope of Practice issue. We need those calls to continue. The next few days are crucial.

This Monday or Tuesday, the Senate Public Health Committee is expected to bring up Senate Bill 2178 for a vote. This bill would increase the scope of practice for mid-level providers, giving them full practice authority after 6,240 hours of collaboration.

PLEASE BE AWARE OF THE FOLLOWING:
  • On Thursday, Jan. 27, the MAFP Advocacy Committee sent this letter to Senate Public Health Committee members asking them not to pass this or any similar bill.
  • The Senate Public Health Committee held a hearing on the scope of practice issue Wednesday, Jan. 26, and several physicians testified in addition to nurse practitioners, regulators and associations. The video is posted below.
  • Tuesday, Feb. 1, is a crucial deadline for committee actions on bills - bills must pass out of committee by that day to remain alive. (Remember, a similar bill died in this committee last year after it passed the full House of Representatives.)

WE ARE ASKING PHYSICIANS TO:
  • CALL the Capitol Switchboard (601) 359-3770 during regular business hours today, Monday and Tuesday. Ask to leave a message for your specific senator.
  • CALL the members of the Senate Public Health Committee (listed below) this weekend if you have their local number.
  • ASK nurse practitioners in your practice who believe in collaboration and the physician-led team to call their senator to share their perspective.
  • PRINT OUT this patient-centered flyer 'Every Mississippian Deserves a Physician' and distribute it to patients in your practice. Ask them to contact their Senators directly.
VIDEO OF SENATE PUBLIC HEALTH COMMITTEE HEARING 1/27/22:

Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee
Sen. Hob Bryan, Chairman, Amory
Sen. David Parker, Vice-Chairman, Olive Branch
Sen. Juan Barnett, Heidelberg
Sen. Barbara Blackmon, Canton
Sen. Kevin Blackwell, Southaven
Sen. David Blount, Jackson
Sen. Chris Caughman, Mendenhall
Sen. Dennis DeBar, Jr., Leakesville
Sen. Joey Fillingane, Sumrall
Sen. Hillman Terome Frazier, Jackson
Sen. Josh Harkins, Flowood
Sen. W. Briggs Hopson III, Vicksburg
Sen. John Horhn, Jackson
Sen. Chris Johnson, Hattiesburg
Sen. Chad McMahan, Guntown
Sen. Rita Potts Parks, Corinth
Sen. John A. Polk;, Hattiesburg
Sen. Jeff Tate, Meridian
Sen. Brice Wiggins, Pascagoula
 
If you have any questions, contact Hope Ladner (Mobile 601-942-8454) or Beth Embry.