On the recordMay 11, 2017
Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the invaluable work of nurses. With 3 million nurses nationwide, these men and women make up the largest providers of healthcare in the country. I am proud to acknowledge the talents and successes of these caregivers as we recognize National Nurses Week. These dedicated health professionals provide quality care to patients every single day. Their dedication and passion to caregiving is constantly on display, often during critical and stressful situations. The work they do helps save lives and gives reassurance to patients facing questions about their health. While on the front lines of healthcare delivery they are also frequently the first line of communication when health problems arise. These healthcare heroes wear many hats. Providing nurses with the resources they need to deliver quality care needs to be a priority. Last week, members of the Emergency Nurses Association from Arkansas shared with me one legislative fix to improve patient care. Amending the Controlled Substance Act to allow paramedics and other emergency medical services professionals to continue to administer controlled substances like pain narcotics when allowed by State law would improve emergency outcomes, particularly in rural areas where a medical facility may be miles away. That is why I cosponsored legislation to amend the Controlled Substance Act.…





