Capitol Update, brought to you by the American Nurses Association
Capitol Update, a legislative newsletter for nurses
Volume 6/Issue 1 January 30, 2008
Article Photo ANA Endorses Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton for President

Leading the charge for affordable, accessible health care, as well as continued support for registered nurses, the ANA has endorsed Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) for president in the 2008 election. Rebecca M. Patton, MSN, RN, CNOR, on behalf of the ANA Board of Directors declared Clinton the most qualified candidate to take the lead in health system reform efforts, citing the need for improvements in the nation's health care system, and the need for continued support for registered nurses as leaders in health care.
2007 Ends With Flurry of Legislative Activity

The first session of the U.S. Congress adjourned on Wednesday, December 19, 2007. Thanks in part to your grassroots action, Congress approved a number of health care bills just as the session came to an end. This article summarizes key provisions of legislative activities during the final days of this session.
2008 Catching Up, Looking Ahead

The second session of the 110th Congress has begun take a moment to refresh your memory on where some of ANA's priority legislation stands, and the congressional dynamics at play as we move toward the fall elections.

Medicare: "Hospital-Acquired Conditions" and "Present on Admission"

In December, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) held a public discussion seeking input on the new policies regarding "hospital-acquired conditions" and "present on admission." Beginning October 2008, hospitals will receive lower Medicare reimbursement if their inpatients suffer from "hospital-acquired conditions" which were not documented as "present on admission." The ANA supports efforts to improve clinical quality and patient safety by reducing adverse events.
CMS: Proposes Impacting Medicare and Medicaid New Rules

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has been extremely productive recently. New rules issued by the CMS would: 1) permit states to adopt Medicaid plans allowing beneficiaries to choose their own personal care providers; 2) increase long-term care hospitals' prospective and outlier payment rates; and 3) increase oversight over Medicare payments for durable medical equipment and supplies.

Reporting Healthcare Associated Infections: A State Perspective

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are one of the top ten causes of death in the U.S., with estimates near 99,000 deaths each year. These infections are acquired by patients while receiving treatment for other conditions within a healthcare setting. The American Hospital Association's conducts an annual survey of hospitals and their characteristics. The 2002 survey revealed that of 1.7 million hospitalized patients, there were 155,668 deaths, of which 98,987 were caused by or associated with a HAI, resulting in an estimated $4.5 billion in excess healthcare costs annually. Prompted by the desire to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs -- along with an increased consumer demand for healthcare information -- a number of states have enacted legislation mandating that hospitals report cases of HAIs.
Copyright 2008, American Nurses Association
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ANA Members Vote on ANA's Virtual Voting Booth

Since 1984, ANA has played an integral role engaging nurses in Presidential politics. To continue this tradition, ANA engaged Presidential contenders on both sides of the aisle in our endorsement process, which included completion of an ANA candidate questionnaire and a candidate interview. The process also requires participation of the ANA membership, and your voice was heard loud and clear! ANA members were asked to vote for their preferred candidate in ANA's online "Virtual Voting Booth" January 3-17, 2008.

New Jersey is celebrating Two Legislative Wins

New Jersey is celebrating two legislative wins that will afford added protection to healthcare workers. With the Governor's signature in January the "Safe Patient Handling Act" and "Workplace Violence Prevention in Health Care Facilities Act" became law.
ANA Member Attends State of the Union Address

ANA member Tara Kunkel, RN, BSN, CEN of New Palestine, IN was the guest of First Lady Laura Bush during President George W. Bush s last State of the Union address on January 28, 2008.
FDA Announces Recall of Saline & Heparin Flushes

On January 25, the Food & Drug Administration announced a nationwide recall of heparin & saline IV flushes/pre-filled syringes manufactured by AM2 PAT Inc., of Angier, NC. The brand names are "Sierra Pre-filled, Inc." and "B. Braun." Sizes range from 3 to 12 mL. Two lots were found to contain Serratia marcescens, a type of bacteria which can cause pneumonia, blood infections, UTIs, and wound infections.
Baby Boom in GOVA!

Congratulations to ANA Sr. Political Action Specialist Carlos Jackson and his wife Ricia who welcomed Zara Quinn Jackson into the world on Friday, January 18 at 5:34am. Little Zara weighed 7 lbs 8 oz, and 20 inches long. Mom, dad and baby are enjoying spending this precious time together.

Congratulations also go out to ANA Associate Director Erin McKeon and her husband Bob who welcomed Claire Gemma McKeon on Wednesday, January 23 at 9:00pm. Claire weighed 6 lbs 10 oz, was 19.5 inches long. The McKeon family is quite excited with their new addition.