SR-104, As Adopted by Senate, November 12, 2013

            Senators Meekhof and Jansen offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 104.

            A resolution recognizing November 10-16, 2013, as Nurse Practitioner Week in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, There are more than 171,000 licensed nurse practitioners (NPs) in the United States, with over 4,700 in Michigan providing high-quality, cost-effective, patient-centered, and personalized health care for nearly half a century; and

            Whereas, NPs have graduate, advanced education of mostly master’s degrees, and an increasing number have doctorates and advanced clinical training beyond their initial registered nurse preparation; and

            Whereas, NPs order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests, diagnose and treat acute and chronic conditions, and prescribe medications and other treatments; and

            Whereas, These licensed nurse practitioners are truly partners in the health care of their patients, so that in addition to clinical services, NPs focus on health promotion, disease prevention, health education, and counseling, guiding patients to make smarter health and lifestyle choices; and

            Whereas, The excellence, safety, and cost-effectiveness of the care provided by NPs is established and well-documented; and

            Whereas, NPs provide health care to people of all ages and in diverse health care settings, such as private office practices, hospitals, long-term care facilities, schools, state and local health departments, managed care facilities, and retail-based clinics; and

            Whereas, More than 18 percent of NPs practice in rural settings with populations of less than 25,000; and

            Whereas, It is documented that patients of NPs are given more personal time and attention than they traditionally receive from other health care providers; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we hereby recognize November 10-16, 2013, as Nurse Practitioner Week in the state of Michigan, in recognition of the many contributions that this dedicated group of health care professionals makes to the health and well-being of the people in the communities they serve in this great state and throughout the country.