Co-Sponsorship Memo Details

Surgery is oftentimes a stressful event. Factors such as anesthesia, pain, surgical complications, and length of recovery can make a patient feel overwhelmed. However, many are undergoing surgery without knowing an important detail. Hospitals allow surgeons to split their time in the operating room between two or more procedures. The practice of concurrent surgeries can result in a patient being under anesthesia longer than planned, a different doctor left to perform the surgery, and in the worst case, mistakes are made.  
 
Prior to giving informed consent, patients deserve to know if the doctor who is scheduled to perform their surgery will be performing concurrent surgeries. Therefore, I am proposing legislation that would require surgeons to inform the patient or their health representative if their surgery time will be shared with another procedure.
 
This legislation will help Pennsylvanians make more informed health care decisions. By providing accurate, clear information regarding the surgical procedure, physicians can help ease fear and anxiety for the patient and their loved ones. Please join me in advocating for all Pennsylvanians and support this legislation.