-- Peace Receives the Ira Lederman Legislative Vision Award--
Central, VA –Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover) was pleased to be recently awarded the 2012 Ira Lederman Legislative Vision Award by the Virginia Society of Eye Physicians.
This high honor acknowledges one's service to the public, particular and significant contribution to the profession of ophthalmology and the visual care and welfare of Virginia's residents, and an exemplary commitment to enhancing the delivery of quality health care.
Speaking about the award, “I am humbled to be recognized by the Virginia Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons for my legislative efforts,” stated Peace.
He continued, “As a member of the Health, Welfare and Institutions Committee, I am tasked with deliberating over many bills that impact the safety and well being of Virginia citizens. I was glad to patron this measure which will serve to further protect the vision of residents of the Commonwealth.”
The award was precipitated by the successful passage of House Bill 266 during the 2012 General Assembly session. Peace’s bill defined "surgery" so that no person other than a licensed doctor of medicine, osteopathy, or dentistry, a licensed nurse practitioner, or a person who is acting pursuant to the orders and under the appropriate supervision of a licensed doctor of medicine, osteopathy, or dentistry shall perform surgery.
As federal and state policies promote team care approaches to health care delivery, there is a need to clearly define the roles and standards for surgical and other invasive treatments.
Virginians deserve assurances that only medically trained surgeons are permitted to operate on them. Surgery performed by under-trained or inappropriately trained health practitioners can result in irreversible consequences.
“Assuring access to quality health care for the residents on the 97th District and across the Commonwealth is vital to my role as a legislator," stated Peace. “This legislation is an effective way to help ensure patients are receiving safe and proper surgical procedures by practitioners that are adequately trained and licensed.”
Namesake of the award, Dr. Ira Lederman, is an ophthalmologist in private practice in Norfolk, VA. He is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and is currently Senior Councilor to the Virginia Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons.
To learn more about VSEPS please visit: http://www.vaeyemd.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1
Delegate Christopher K. Peace was elected to his fourth term representing the 97th District of the Virginia House of Delegates. The District includes parts of Hanover, King William, and all of New Kent County.
