Dr. Devdutta Sangvai, Department of Health and Human Services (Courtesy photo)
Dr. Devdutta Sangvai received unanimous support Wednesday to run the state’s health care agency from a key state Senate committee.
Sangvai is Gov. Josh Stein’s choice to run the state Department of Health and Human Services. His nomination will eventually move to a vote of the full Senate.
Sangvai was sworn into office in January and has been doing the job leading DHHS.
Before coming to the state agency, Sangvai was president of Duke Regional Hospital. In addition to his medical degree, he has an MBA and a law degree.
Sangvai fielded fewer committee questions than he did at last week’s meeting, where he was pressed on what advice he’d give Stein in a health emergency where disease is spread by close contact.
In his response to another question about that hypothetical event on Wednesday, Sangvai said he’d advise the governor, and conversations would “have to involve all relevant stakeholders.”
Sangvai was also asked about a proposal over which DHHS has no say — the ability of advanced practice nurses to work without supervision from a doctor.
Advanced practice nurses have been trying to free themselves from the supervision requirement for years. Many have said that supervision often amounts to doctors periodically signing paperwork. Doctors’ groups say it’s important for doctors to keep their supervisory roles.
Sangvai said there is room for compromise. Though it’s not an agency decision, DHHS would be happy to provide input, he said.
Sen. Gale Adcock (D-Wake), said she hoped Sangvai would use the connections he’s built throughout his career in the state to help foster an environment that will lead to a compromise on the advanced practice nurse issue.