Sen. Richard Moore reached out to the Mass Nurses Association over the weekend and apologized for the comment he made at last Thursday’s Mass Healthcare Quality and Cost event comparing the MNA to the Taliban.
“I was pleased to hear from Senator Moore over the weekend,” said Beth Piknick, RN, President of the MNA. “He agreed his comment was inappropriate and apologized for it, and we accept his apology."
“We are deeply grateful for the many expressions of support we received from so many over the past few days. Our members are very fortunate indeed to have such wonderful friends and allies. We look forward to continuing to work advocating for our patients.”
Statement in Response to Sen. Richard Moore Who Compares MNA to Terrorist Organization
CANTON, MA – The Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA) today condemned a statement made by State Senator Richard Moore (D-Uxbridge) in which he characterized the MNA, the professional association and largest union for registered nurses in the Commonwealth, as being "like the Taliban trying to take over health care in Massachusetts." The statement was made during remarks he gave at the annual meeting of the Mass. Healthcare Quality and Cost Council, an event attended by a large audience of health care leaders and policymakers.
"We feel strongly that it is totally inappropriate to compare the state’s organization for frontline registered nurses to terrorists. The MNA has, for 100 years, been responsible for advocating for the highest standards of quality care for patients and for the advancement and protection of the nursing profession," said Beth Piknick, MNA President. "We spend more time with patients than any other health care provider; we see more and know more than anyone else in the system about what works and doesn’t. The public knows this and trusts our views and opinions, especially when it concerns issues of patient care."
"We do not intend to allow this insulting comment to deter us from our vigorous advocacy for our patients. Our highest priority has, and always will be, improving the quality of patient care in Massachusetts"
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