Doctors need the discretion to choose the anticonvulsant drugs most effective at controlling seizures of epileptic patients. Changes proposed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services could exclude certain drugs from coverage.

Arkansas is the first state in the Southeast to allow qualified nurse practitioners practice independently, increasing access to health care in rural areas and alleviating pressure on Memphis area hospitals and clinics, which take in overflow. 

“As pediatricians, we face the reality that now many of our patients won’t have access to the specialized inpatient care and procedures only available at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital.”