[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 142 (Tuesday, September 5, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1162]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   EMERGENCY ROOM NURSE ALEX WUBBELS

                                  _____
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 5, 2017

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to give brief 
remarks about Alex Wubbels, the emergency room nurse at University of 
Utah Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah who was arrested for doing her 
job on July 26. As a non-practicing registered nurse, this story 
shocked and upset me. I cannot fathom being handcuffed in my workplace 
for following hospital policy and the law.
  Ms. Wubbels stood her ground and remained calm during the encounter, 
which was caught on body camera footage. Hospital policy requires that 
the patient be under arrest, the police have a warrant, or the patient 
consent in order to draw blood. Since none of those requirements were 
met, Ms. Wubbels refused to draw the patient's blood, with the support 
of several managers, administrators, and her supervisor.
  While I understand that the Salt Lake City Police Department is 
currently taking steps to prevent incidents like this, I find it 
unconscionable that an officer of the law felt it appropriate to treat 
a health professional in this manner. I do believe that implementation 
of new hospital procedure, such as requiring law enforcement officials 
to check in to the front desk of the hospital, are positive and I 
encourage other hospitals to adopt similar policies.
  Ms. Wubbels remained focused on providing care to her patient and 
ultimately, no charges were filed against her. She is encouraging 
health professionals and law enforcement to use this incident to ``open 
a civic dialogue.'' As a nurse, I am proud to stand with individuals 
like Ms. Wubbels who turn negative events into positive learning 
experiences, always put patient well-being above all else, and stand 
their ground in the face of adversity.

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