Bill to protect nurses lowers requirements for physician recertification. House Republicans will attempt to clarify and fix.

There is some confusion in the House of Representatives Monday night as the chamber takes up S.B. 1, a bill intended to protect nurses from dangerous patients. The proposal is a reaction to the 2023 murder of visiting nurse Joyce Grayson.

The bill addresses other health care issues—and one head scratcher for doctors seeking specialty recertification. Section 11 provides an alternative to the demanding tests physicians must pass to maintain their certification in specialty disciplines. Certification may be obtained not only by passing a demanding exam but, under the Senate bill, “through participation in any maintenance of certification program.” This could lower the quality of care provided in Connecticut.

The bill’s lead sponsor is Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor), a physician. Anwar’s own credentials are causing confusion. According to the American Board of Internal Medicine, his certifications in critical care medicine, pulmonary medicine and internal medicine have lapsed. Anwar’s medical practice website, however, describes him as “a Board Certified Physician who specializes in Pulmonary Medicine, Critical Care Medicine and Occupational and Environmental Medicine.” Senate members declined to ask what the effect of the change in the recertification process embedded in the bill would mean for doctors who had allowed their certifications to lapse.

House Republicans have filed amendments to remove the section.

The Senate’s other physician, Woodstock Republican Jeffrey Gordon, has maintained his certifications in hematology and the demanding discipline of oncology.

Published May 6, 2024.