Capitol Update, brought to you by the American Nurses Association
Capitol Update, a legislative newsletter for nurses
Volume 3/Issue 5 May 25, 2005
Article Photo ANA Takes a Stand Against Association Health Plans

The rising cost of health care and the increasing number of Americans without health insurance are major, national problems that require action and attention. However, one approach to these issues may well do more harm than good. Association Health Plan (AHP) legislation is once again gaining momentum in the House. Because AHPs are regulated at the federal rather than the state level, these plans would not be subject to the existing state consumer protections and benefit guarantees that millions of Americans rely on today.
HHS Forms Medicaid Commission

The Fiscal Year 2006 Budget Resolution passed the House of Representatives and the Senate on April 28, 2005. Despite energetic bi-partisan efforts to stave off Medicaid cuts, the Budget contains reconciliation instructions requiring $10 billion in Medicaid savings over the next five years. It also sets aside funds for a Medicaid Commission. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Michael Leavitt signed the charter for this commission on May 10.
RWJF and ANA Cosponsor Nursing Policy Roundtable

On May 13, 2005, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the American Nurses Association cosponsored a nursing policy roundtable on Capitol Hill to discuss "Pathways to Safety and Quality in Nursing in the Acute Care Setting." The briefing was moderated by Mary Wakefield, Center for Rural Health, University of North Dakota who provided an overview of the three-pronged strategy to improve the work environment: (1) organizational culture; (2) work processes and process improvements; and (3) physical design.
ANA Endorses Johanna's Law

ANA has endorsed the Gynecological Cancer Education and Awareness Act of 2005 (H.R. 1245), also known as Johanna's Law. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on April 10, 2005. It is designed to increase awareness about ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancers. Every year, more than 80,000 women in the Unites States are diagnosed with a gynecological cancer. This year, 26,000 women will lose their life to one of these cancers. When diagnosed in early stages, these cancers have an excellent survival rate. Unfortunately, many are diagnosed in their advanced and most deadly stages.

CMS Begins Outreach Efforts for National Provider Identifier

Beginning on May 23, 2005, health care providers will be able to apply online for the new National Provider Identifier (NPI) for use in the standard electronic health care transactions. The NPI is one of the steps that the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is taking to improve electronic transactions for health care.

ANA's State Legislative Leadership Results in Safeguards for Nurses and Patients Across the Nation

The American Nurses Association, in concert with State Nurses Associations, is promoting state legislation designed to protect nurses from potentially career-ending musculoskeletal injuries while increasing a patient's safety and comfort. Through ANA's leadership, a Nationwide State Legislative Agenda on Safe Patient Movement and Handling has been developed.
copyright 2005, American Nurses Association
For more information contact:
enter an email address here gova@ana.org
Early Preview of 2006 House Races

Earlier this year in Capitol Update Political News, we profiled the 33 Senate seats up in 2006. Now in the next two issues, we will preview a few of the 2006 House Races. As you know, there are 435 Members of House of Representatives. Currently, there are 231 Republicans, 202 Democrats, one Independent who is aligned with the Democrats, and one open seat. Although the House races tend to shake out a little later than the Senate, we wanted to begin providing an overview of the races.

ANA Testifies to Protect Scope of Practice at Medical Boards' Annual Meeting

In a move to prevent the erosion of nursing practice, ANA President Barbara Blakeney testified at the Reference Committee Hearing during the Annual Meeting of the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) on May 13, 2005 in Dallas, Taxas.
Health Care for the Whole Person

The ANA has joined with the American Psychological Association (APA) and other health care organizations as a partner endorsing the APA's new initiative, Health Care for the Whole Person. This initiative is designed to bridge the differences between the mental and physical health communities and to improve the quality of care, reduce suffering and impairment, and lead to more efficient use of resources.
Chad Lennox Joins the ANA Government Affairs Team

Hello ANA! I just wanted to take a quick moment to introduce myself. My name is Chad Lennox and I'm one of the new Senior Political Action Specialists with ANA. As one of ANA's Senior Political Action Specialists, I will help coordinate both our Congressional Endorsement process and our grassroots organizing. I am pleased to be a part of ANA, and I look forward to working with all of you. If you have any questions or ideas, please feel free to contact me at clennox@ana.org.
Keeping Track: CMS Issues Regulations for Emergency Care for Immigrants

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has published a final implementation notice for the disbursement of $250 million a year over four years to defray the costs to hospitals, physicians, and ambulance services who provide uncompensated care to undocumented immigrants under requirements in the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA).
Keeping Track: RN Immigration

On May 11, 2005, the President signed the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act into law (P.L. 109-13). This law contains an amendment that has the potential to increase nurse immigration by 50,000 RNs.