AFP-NJ Encourages Governor Murphy to Take Executive Action to Increase Access to Health Care
Trenton, N.J. –Americans for Prosperity-New Jersey (AFP-NJ) today sent a letter to Gov. Murphy offering steps his administration could take to expand access to critical health care services. The letter followed a memo AFP issued that included guidance for state-based reforms the group encouraged policymakers to consider as they explored ways to address the spread of COVID-19.
AFP-NJ State Director Tony Howley issued the following statement:
“Ensuring that high-risk populations have access to critical health care services is a priority for governments and communities across the country. We commend Gov. Murphy for ordering the renewal of expired licenses for medical professionals and enacting laws to expand crucial telehealth services, but we can do more. We encourage Gov. Murphy to implement these additional reforms, which have already been adopted by numerous governors across the country.”
Background:
Americans for Prosperity on March 17 issued a guidance memo for state-based reforms that policymakers should adopt to help respond to the spread of COVID-19 and expand access to critical health care services for those who need it. In accordance with that memo, Americans for Prosperity to take executive action to:
- Lift regulatory barriers on telehealth and telemedicine for all patients, including those on public health programs such as Medicaid. This will allow medical professionals to provide services to a larger number of patients while also limiting the potential spread of the virus which could result from traditional, in-person office visits.
- Waive scope of practice restrictions for nurses and non-physician providers. This will empower these health care professionals to deliver more within hospitals and provide more care in patients’ homes.
- Lift licensing barriers to allow health care providers to work in the states with greatest need, regardless of the state in which they are licensed. This will free medical professionals to fully provide the services they are trained to provide and increase access to health care services.
- Renew all expired state-administered health licenses, permits, certifications, and registrations for the duration of the health emergency. This will free medical professionals to fully provide the services they are trained to provide and increase access to health care services.
