Capitol Update, brought to you by the American Nurses Association
Capitol Update, a legislative newsletter for nurses
Volume 2|Issue 5 May 27, 2004
Article Photo Patient Safety Act Would Provide Access to Important Staffing Information

Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) introduced the Patient Safety Act (H.R. 4374) on May 17. This ANA-endorsed bill offers patients greater assurances of receiving safe, quality nursing care while also offering nurses whistleblower protections. This bill is a much-needed antidote to unsafe levels of staffing that potentially put patients at risk.
VA Nursing Commission Releases Final Report

The National Commission on VA Nursing released its final report, Caring for America's Veterans: Attracting and Retaining a Quality VHA Nursing Workforce on May 12, 2004. In 2002, the National Commission on VA Nursing was established through Public Law 107-135 and charged to consider and recommend legislative and organizational policy changes that would enhance the recruitment and retention of nurses and asses the future of the nursing profession within the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Department of Veterans Affairs is the largest employer of registered nurses in America. In its report the Commission recommends organizational and legislative policy changes in leadership, professional development, work environment, respect and recognition, fair compensation, technology and research.
Keeping Track: Homeland Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness Actions Update

In May, the attention of policymakers on Capitol hill and elsewhere turned to bioterrorism. The resulting discussions have renewed the call for increased focus on bioterrorism preparedness at the national, state, and local levels. This month, the Senate unanimously approved Project Bioshield (S. 15), a bill that would authorize $5.6 billion over 10 years in funding for research and production of vaccines for a variety of pathogens. In contrast, on May 19, Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Thompson indicated that he intends to divert Fiscal Year 2004 bioterrorism preparedness funds from state bioterrorism projects to new program which would pay for the training of postal workers to help deliver antibiotics or antidotes within 48 hours of a biological attack to 21 major cities. Finally, on May 22, Susan E. King, MS, RN, testified on behalf of the American Nurses Association and the Oregon Nurses Association at the Democratic Platform Committee hearing on homeland security.

OCR Letter to Healthcare Providers Clarifies HIPPA Privacy Rules

The HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR), which is responsible for implementation of the HIPAA Privacy Rule, has announced the creation of a listserve to distribute announcements, notices of available resources, and other educational information about the Privacy Rule. OCR also invites you to visit its website where a wide range of helpful guidance and technical assistance materials about the Privacy Rule and civil rights are available.

Grassroots Nursing Workforce Initiatives Meeting

The American Nurses Association was represented at the second meeting of the Grassroots Nursing Workforce Initiatives held April 29 and 30, 2004 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. This meeting brought together stakeholders who are involved or interested in the establishment and development of nursing workforce centers. A Colleagues in Caring grant, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, provided start up funding for many of these nursing workforce centers to collect and analyze nursing workforce data. Many of the centers are also working on recruitment and retention strategies for nurses, as well as new models of nursing education and nursing care delivery.
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Making your Voice Heard in the 2004 Elections

The upcoming election is a powerful opportunity to advance nursing's perspectives on health care. Numbering over 2.7 million nationwide, registered nurses represent the largest group of health care professionalsýÿyou have the chance to use your power at the ballot box to make health care a priority and to ensure that the concerns and goals of the nursing profession are represented on the national agenda.

Take the first steps in making the voice of nursing heard in this year's elections: Register to vote and get to know the candidates.

ANA's Congressional Reception Honors Nurse Caucus Members

On May 12, Over 30 Members of Congress and Congressional staff attended the American Nurses Association's Congressional reception honoring the House Nursing Caucus. The event, which was part of ANA's National Nurse week celebrations, provided an opportunity for ANA to recognize Members of Congress who have supported nursing issues during the 108th Congress.
Illegal Immigration Reporting Bill Rejected

On May 18, the U.S. House of Representatives rejected legislation that would have required health care providers to report illegal immigrants to the Office of Homeland Security as a condition to receive payment for emergency health care services. The bill, H.R. 3722, the Undocumented Alien Emergency Medical Assistance Amendments of 2004, which was introduced by Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA), was defeated by a vote of 331-88. Opponents of the bill, including ANA, attacked the provisions of H.R. 3722, which would have forced hospitals and other medical providers to play the role of immigration officers and cited this provision as irresponsible and burdensome.
Sheila Burke MPA, RN, FAAN Reappointed to MedPAC

On May 20, David M. Walker, Comptroller General of the United States announced the appointment of three new members and the reappointment of two members to the Medicare Advisory Commission (MedPAC). The reappointed members are Sheila P. Burke, MPA, RN, FAAN, and Ralph W. Muller, Chief Executive Officer, University of Pennsylvania Health System. The newly appointed members include John M. Bertko, FSA, MAAA, Vice President and Chief Actuary, Humana Inc.; Francis J. Crosson, MD, Executive Director, the Permanente Federation LCC; and William J. Scanlon, PhD, health policy consultant.
Application Process Available for DEA Registration Renewals

The Drug Enforcement Administration's Office of Diversion Control (DEA/OD) has announced the launching of a fully interactive, online renewal application process for re-registration of retail-level registrants. Retail level registrants include practitioners (e.g. physicians, dentists, veterinarians), midlevel practitioners (e.g. nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, physician assistants), pharmacies, hospitals and teaching institutions. These registrants must complete a DEA Form 224a to renew their registration.
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