The following is a public statement from Tom George, MD, CEO of the Michigan State Medical Society, in response to the introduction today of legislation concerning physician assistants and nurse practitioners.

“Quality patient care is rooted in the trusted relationship between patients, their loved ones, and the physicians who lead the health care teams providing care and counsel.  The legislation introduced in the State House today undermines that care by creating confusion and clouding the medical transparency that patients rely on.

“Focusing on changing titles and conflating roles within the health care team, like this legislation does, is not in the best interest of patients, their care or their overall health.  Patients expect and deserve better.”