Our Opinion: Reversal of shot restriction example of leadership

Nevada's government leaders have shown that the spirit of bi-partisanship does work when both sides are focused and talking with one another.

They worked hard during the past week to ensure that medical assistants will be able to give flu shots and immunizations as we enter a critical stage heading into the fall and winter months.

A Clark County District Court judge ruled in late September the Nevada Board of Medical Examiners violated the state's open meeting law. The board had undertaken emergency measures that would allow medical assistants to give immunizations. This came on the heels of a ruling from the board that MAs could not give shots or immunizations of any kind. The board's emergency ruling in September, however, would have restored MAs' ability to give flu shots and immunizations but not cosmetic drugs.

The judge's ruling on the open-meeting violation affected every physician in Nevada who relies on medical assistants.

Gov. Jim Gibbons was also upset with this dilemma as were Assembly Speaker Barbara Buckley and Senate Leader Steven Horsford.

After extensive work among Buckley, Horsford, Gibbons, the medical board and attorney general's office, a plan was developed to ensure MAs could give flu shots and immunizations while protecting patient safety.

The need to have this plan in place as soon as possible was critical.

"I will continue to work with legislators to clarify any gray areas in the law to protect the health and safety of Nevada families," Gibbons said.

The governor's office also said he was pleased with the solution because those involved took a prudent approach and "handled this in a sensible manner."

Buckley and Horsford both stated in a press release that Tuesday's decision ensures patients are not denied their flu shots and children will receive needed immunizations in a "safe and timely manner."

However, the need to clarify the regulations of who can give what injections must be cleared up during the next legislative session to avoid snafus like this one.

"With the statement issued today, physicians and physician assistants can once again make full and beneficial use of their medical assistants for the benefit of Nevada's patients," said Dr. Charles Held, board president, Tuesday. "We will continue to work with our state's elected leaders to create a more detailed regulation as soon as we can."

This was a crisis requiring immediate action, and our elected officials stepped up and resolved the dilemma in less than one month. They should be commended for putting partisan politics aside and for fighting for the safety and welfare of all Nevadans.

• From the Lahontan Valley News.