Capitol Update, brought to you by the American Nurses Association
Capitol Update, a legislative newsletter for nurses
Volume 4/Issue 4 April 28, 2006
Article Photo Senate Bill Undermines State Protections for Nurses and Patients

The full Senate is expected to vote in early May on S. 1955, the "Health Insurance Marketplace Modernization Act." ANA has deep reservations about the impact of S. 1955 on APRN practice, access to primary and preventative care, and on the cost of insurance, particularly for those most in need of care. There is no evidence that this legislation would ensure any real expansion of health insurance coverage. ANA has been working since the fall of 2005 with a broad coalition to oppose S. 1955, but we need help from RNs across the country to make sure that Senators understand the real impact of S. 1955 on patients and providers in their states.
ANA Weighs in on Immigration Debate

The American Nurses Association (ANA) contacted the Senate Judiciary Committee in March and early April to express opposition to portions of the House-passed immigration bill, and to oppose efforts to remove current limits on the immigration of foreign-trained Registered Nurses.
54 Senators Support Nursing Appropriations Request

On April 2, 2006, Sens. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) and Susan Collins (R-ME) delivered a letter signed by a total of 54 Senators to the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education (LHHS). This letter boasting the support of more than one-half of the Senate, requests that the LHHS Subcommittee approve $175 million in fiscal year (FY) 2007 funding for nursing workforce development programs. If approved, this would constitute a $25 million increase in funding.

Inpatient Hospital Proposed Rule

A much anticipated proposal impacting the acute care hospital inpatient system was published in the Federal Register on April 25. The proposed rule would revise the Medicare hospital inpatient prospective payment systems for operating and capitol costs and will implement a number of changes made by the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005. It is part of a major overhaul of the aging diagnosis-related group (DRG) classification system planned by Medicare to take place during Fiscal Years of 2007-2008. The proposed rule which will take effect in October 1, 2006 will shift reimbursement from hospital charges which have been the historical basis of payments to hospital costs and introduce a severity adjusted system of (DRGs).

Massachusetts Moves Toward Universal Health Care Coverage

In 2004, almost one in six of the United States' population did not have health insurance. Lacking movement of comprehensive health care reform legislation on the federal level, coupled with political gridlock, some states legislators and governors have made health insurance coverage a priority.
copyright 2006, American Nurses Association
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My Member of Congress is Back in the District? What Can I Do?

With election season in full gear, members of Congress are anxious to meet with their constituents while they are back in the district. Meeting with your elected officials either at a town hall meeting, or setting up a meeting with them in their district office is a great way for ANA's message to be heard.

Policy Change for Medicare Part D as May 15 Enrollment Deadline Approaches

The Bush Administration has just announced a policy change designed to protect Medicare beneficiaries from a sudden loss of coverage for drugs they are taking under the Medicare Part D drug program. The new policy would still allow insurers to change their list of drug formularies but if they drop any drugs or impose new restrictions they must exempt beneficiaries who are currently taking those drugs.
Safe Patient Handling and Movement Congressional Briefing scheduled for Nurses Week

In conjunction with Nurses Week, the House Nursing Caucus and the American Nurses Association (ANA) will sponsor an important luncheon briefing on Monday, May 8th at 12:00 PM for congressional health staff to highlight the importance of safe patient handling and movement.
Nursing Scholarship Applications Available Online Now

Application forms are now available online for The Nursing Scholarship Program (NSP or "Nursing Scholarship") a competitive Federal program, which awards scholarships to individuals for attendance at schools of nursing. The deadline for applications is May 26, 2005.
Cover the Uninsured Week, May 1-7

Uninsured adults are nearly four times more likely to forego a necessary visit to a physician or health care provider as people with health coverage, according to a new analysis of government data released by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The report was released to kick off Cover the Uninsured Week, May 1-7. ANA is a national partner in the week, during which some 1,000 public events in every state and the District of Columbia will raise awareness and help eligible Americans enroll in low-cost or free health coverage programs.