Capitol Update, brought to you by the American Nurses Association
Capitol Update, a legislative newsletter for nurses
Volume 4/Issue 5 May 31, 2006
Article Photo ANA Co-Hosts Briefing on Safe Patient Handling and Movement

The House of Representatives Nursing Caucus and the American Nurses Association (ANA) sponsored a luncheon briefing during National Nurses Week on Monday, May 8th for congressional health staff to highlight the importance of safe patient handling and movement.
FY 2007 Funding Bills Move Forward Slowly

During the month of May, Congress took tentative steps to move forward on the Budget Resolution, Supplemental Appropriations, and the regular FY 2007 Appropriations bills. However, increasing discord within the Republican Party has delayed progress on all three fronts.
Nursing Caucus Supports Avian Flu Protections for Nurses

On May 9, Representatives Lois Capps (D-CA) and Steven LaTourette (R-OH) sponsored a letter signed by 88 members of the House of Representatives calling on the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Labor to protect nurses from avian flu. ANA worked with the Nursing Caucus to gather support for their letter that urges the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to require states, localities, and health care facilities to implement aggressive respiratory infection control programs as a part of its pandemic flu planning.
ANA Applauds Senate Defeat of S. 1955: Failure of Small Business Health Plan Bill is a Win for Healthcare Consumers and Nurses

On May 11, Senate consideration of the "Health Insurance Marketplace Modernization and Affordability Act," (S. 1955) came to an end when supporters failed to win enough votes to move forward with the bill. The demise of S.1955 was good news for nurses and health care consumers across the country who took part in an unprecedented lobbying effort against it.

ANA Comments on NPDB Proposed Rule

On May 22, 2006, ANA provided comments to the Health Resources and Services Administration on the proposed rule to implement requirements of Section 1921 of the Social Security Act regarding the reporting of adverse and negative actions taken against certain health care practitioners and entities. ANA's comments raised concerns about the lack of guarantees of due process, lack of whistle blower protections and the scope of reportable information.

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ANA Signs Letter Urging Full Investigation of VA Breach of Security

ANA has signed on to a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Leavitt regarding the recent theft of VA medical data and other significant data of 26 million veterans. The letter, which requests a review of the VA system by the Secretary, was drafted by the Consumer Coalition for Health Privacy. ANA previously has worked with the Consumer Coalition for Health Privacy on the HIPPA privacy rules.
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House Resolution Supports National Nurses Week

Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) introduced House Resolution 245 (H. Res. 245) on April 27, 2006 to support the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week which was held May 6-12, 2006.
ANA Speaks Out About Efforts to Eliminate Mercury from Health Care

ANA State Government Affairs recently participated in two professional conferences to inform nurses and other health care professionals as well as health care management about the ANA/CMA efforts to eliminate the use of mercury in health care.
Medicare Part D Rally

ANA participated in a Congressional rally held on May 10, 2006 designed to urge Medicare to eliminate the penalty that beneficiaries will be forced to pay if they sign up for prescription drug coverage after May 15. The press conference was organized by House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV).
Heading to Washington for ANA House of Delegates?

Come a day early to lobby your members of Congress! Nurses' voices are needed more than ever�and since you will already be here, it is your duty to visit with your elected officials. They need to hear from you!