Capitol Update, brought to you by the American Nurses Association
Capitol Update, a legislative newsletter for nurses
Volume 2 | Issue 2 February 27, 2004
Article Photo ANA Endorses Sen. John Kerry for President
Citing the need for dramatic improvements in the nation's health care system, as well as continued support for registered nurses and their role in health care, the ANA has endorsed Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) for president in the 2004 election. Declaring Kerry the best candidate to lead health care reform efforts, ANA president Barbara A. Blakeney, MS, APRN,BC, ANP, made the announcement at a Town Hall meeting in Ohio Feb. 24 on behalf of the ANA Board of Directors.
Rep. Capps Introduces RN Staffing Legislation
On December 8, 2003, H.R. 3656, "The Quality Nursing Care Act of 2004" was introduced by Rep. Lois Capps (D-CA). The bill has been referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee as well as the House Ways and Means Committee for further consideration. This bill complements S. 991, which was introduced by Senator Daniel Inouye (D-HI) in May of 2003.
President's Budget Includes Modest Increase for Nursing Education
President George Bush released his fiscal year 2005 Budget proposal to Congress on Feb. 2, 2004. This proposal recommends a $5 million increase in funding for the nursing workforce development programs contained in Title VIII of the Public Health Service Act (including the Nurse Reinvestment Act).
Nursing Home Staffing Bill Introduced in the House and Senate
Late last year, Sen. John Edwards (D-NC) introduced the ANA Supported Nursing Home Staffing Act of 2003 (S. 1988). This bill would alter Medicare law to require nursing facilities to meet specific staffing requirements for registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nurse aides.
Blakeney Joins Leaders Daschle and Pelosi in Medicare Press Event
ANA President Barbara A. Blakeney, MS, APRN,BC, ANP was called on by House Democratic Leader Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Senate Democratic Leader Sen. Tom Daschle (D-SD) to express ANA's concerns with the recently enacted Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA, P.L. 108- 173).

CMS Announces Increased Numbers Of Hospitals Voluntarily Reporting Hospital Quality Data
About one out of three U.S. hospitals paid by Medicare and Medicaid are now voluntarily reporting at least one quality measure from a set of 10 quality measures, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced on Feb 20.
Nursing Home Staffing Proposed Rules
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services published proposed rules on the posting of nurse staffing information for skilled nursing facilities and nursing facilities in the Feb. 27 edition of the Federal Register.

Gov. Wise signs West Virginia Mandatory Overtime Law
The West Virginia Nurses Association (WVNA) succeeded in getting legislation passed that prohibits hospitals from requiring nurses to work overtime except in emergency situations, such as natural disasters, terrorism or disease outbreaks.
National Governors Association 2004 Winter Meeting
The nation's governors gathered in Washington this week to discuss critical state issues such highway funding, jobs, homeland security, Medicaid reform, and education at the 2004 winter meeting of the National Governors Association (NGA).
copyright, American Nurses Association
For more information contact:
gova@ana.org
Tell a Friend about Capitol Update
manage newsletter subscription
visit archives
Open letter on the ANA Presidential Endorsement
We are aware that some may have questions and concerns about the recent ANA Board decision to engage in a presidential endorsement. As you may know, ANA has endorsed a candidate in each presidential election since 1984. Today, we continue to follow the 1985 House of Delegates resolution directing ANA to engage presidential contenders of all parties in endorsement considerations.

Keeping Track...Medical Liability Insurance/ Tort Reform Update
The escalating cost of health care liability insurance continues to be a serious problem for health care providers in many parts of the country. It is having a negative effect on patients and health care providers including registered nurses.
New CMS Administrator Nominated
Mark McClellan, MD, who has served as the Commissioner of the U.S Food and Drug Administration since 2002, has been nominated by President Bush to head the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Minorities Health Disparities Report Released
Recent studies released from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) show that, despite general improvements in health, racial and ethnic minorities in America experience higher morbidity and mortality rates than non-minorities.
RNs Top List of Occupations With Largest Job Growth
In a report released February 11, 2004, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) announced that registered nursing will have the greatest job growth of all U.S. professions in the years 2002-2012. Although RNs have listed among the top growth occupations in the past, this is the first time that RNs have ranked number one.
To unsubscribe, go to: http://www.capitolupdate.org/unsubscribe