Gov. Brewer signs bill supporting military healthcare training
Apr 4, 2013, 5:12 PM | Updated: Apr 5, 2013, 8:58 am
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — A bill allowing military medical professionals to cut through red tape to get needed real world training by Scottsdale Healthcare that they need for combat and beyond was signed into law Wednesday by Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer.
Sponsored by Rep. Heather Carter (R-Cave Creek), chair of the House Health Committee, HB2064 streamlines the process for licensed military medical professionals to receive permits for training at the Scottsdale Healthcare Military Training Center.
Many of these military health professionals are licensed or credentialed in other states and have had difficulty obtaining necessary approvals from regulatory agencies because the state licensing boards do not offer uniform exemptions to military personnel. HB2064 allows licensed military medical personnel to continue to train in Arizona without added paperwork or fees.
“I was honored to sponsor this bill as the House Health Committee chair and as a strong supporter of our military and veterans. I take great pride in the fact that we are training people to save lives on the battlefield and humanitarian missions overseas right here in Scottsdale, Arizona,” said Rep. Carter.
Scottsdale Healthcare’s Military Partnership provides military medical personnel with the skills and experience needed to perform successfully under wartime conditions. The program serves active duty, reserve and guard primarily from the Army and Air Force. Launched in 2004, it is one of the nation’s first community hospital-based training centers.
Participants are supervised by Scottsdale Healthcare staff and preceptors. They receive training and hands-on experience including clinical rotations at Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn Medical Center’s Level 1 Trauma Center, as well as training using advanced human patient simulators in a field triage tent. Ambulance ride alongs, experiences at the Maricopa Burn Center and other learning opportunities also are provided through community partnerships.
Scottsdale Healthcare’s military training program is available to individuals or units to provide deployment readiness or annual training requirements. More than 1600 have trained at Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn Medical Center.
“I would like to thank Scottsdale Healthcare for working to streamline licensing requirements for our military medical professionals, this is but once again an example of the incredible support the State of Arizona has for the military men and women stationed here. Training for our military medical personnel is a fundamental priority, and this will ensure our troops continue to be well trained in order to provide the highest-quality medical care for our injured heroes. Arizona continues to set the example,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Yolanda D. Bledsoe, commander, 56 Medical Group at Luke Air Force Base in Phoenix.
Watch a video of the Scottsdale Healthcare military training program below. WARNING: SOME DISTURBING IMAGES