New Mercy Hospital CMO weighs in on advanced practice provider independence debate

The role of advanced practice providers in healthcare remains a topic of debate. A new video features Joseph Hayes, MD, MBA, the recently appointed CMO of Mercy Hospital Southeast, sharing his perspective on the issue. Advanced practice providers, including physician assistants and nurse practitioners, now play a major role in care teams across hospitals and medical groups. Their growing presence has raised questions about independence in practice.

In the HL Shorts video, Hayes addresses the ongoing discussion. Some argue that APPs can work safely and effectively on their own, while others believe physician supervision is essential for patient safety. The debate centres on whether APPs should operate independently or under direct physician oversight. Hayes’ insights add to the conversation as health systems continue to integrate these professionals into their workflows.