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Public commenters split on granting attending status to PAs and NPs; physicians oppose, nurses and advocates support expansion
Summary
Three public commenters gave two‑minute remarks: two physicians and a practitioner argued against extending attending status to PAs/NPs, while a nurse in the public comment later rebutted that expansion is necessary for access—committee heard the split and requested further analysis.
Three registered public commenters addressed attending status for physician associates and nurse practitioners. Dr. Dan Beeson said he opposes language in the proposal that would give PAs and NPs attending‑physician status because, in his view, they "do not receive physician level training." John Hilton echoed opposition, saying the system should ensure injured workers return to work efficiently and questioned expanding attending privileges.
Dr. Tom Turnbull urged the committee to "do the right thing" for Oregonians and argued restoring physician status would quickly add trained doctors into the system. In response from the other side of the table, a nurse and labor representative told the committee that characterizing NPs and PAs as medication‑only providers misrepresents their training and undermines access to care; the nurse urged expanding the pool of eligible providers to reduce delays and travel burdens for injured workers.
The committee noted the split in public testimony and asked for additional stakeholder input and a formal bill analysis when final language is available.
