We also support proposals that promote flexibility in the duties of healthcare staff so that healthcare providers may make the best use of existing personnel. As healthcare economics continue to change and present new challenges, it is increasingly important for healthcare professionals to be allowed to perform diverse clinical duties. Mandated staffing systems or ratios limit the ability of a hospital to respond to fluid census and acuity needs, qualifications and experience of healthcare staff and ever changing healthcare economics. For example, a health professional who must merely register with a regulatory board should not be subject to the extensive regulatory oversight and requirements associated with the licensing process. The proliferation of healthcare profession licensing programs imposes an unnecessary administrative burden on healthcare providers.
Hospitals employ or work with virtually every type of healthcare professional.
Addressing the requirements of a separate licensing board for each of these professionals is unduly cumbersome. The issue of medical errors has received prominent press coverage and is the subject of much attention in Oregon and across the nation. Efforts are taking place nationally to establish a medical error reporting system. Any medical error reporting system established in Oregon should coordinate with what is happening nationally. It is inappropriate for facilities that are not licensed as hospitals to provide inpatient hospital services.