Capitol Update, brought to you by the American Nurses Association
Capitol Update, a legislative newsletter for nurses
Volume 3/Issue 7 August 4, 2005
Article Photo Help Needed to Include APRN Access in Medicaid Reform

ANA is working to urge Congress to include increased access to advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in their Medicaid reform efforts. Specifically, ANA is asking that the provisions of the Advanced Practice Nurses and Physician Assistants Access Act of 2005 (H.R. 2716, S. 1515) be included in Medicaid reconciliation. We need your help to secure this inclusion. Contact your Congressional delegation today. The Medicaid reconciliation package will be completed by mid-September.
President Signs Medical Errors Reporting Legislation into Law

On July 29, President Bush signed legislation creating a national database on medical errors into law (Public Law No: 109-41). The Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act of 2005 (S. 544/ H.R. 3205), which passed the Senate on July 21 and the House July 27, encourages health care providers to voluntarily report medical errors to "patient safety organizations," which will compile and analyze the data and make recommendations on reducing future mistakes.
ANA Supports Flu Vaccine Bill

The American Nurses Association has submitted a letter of support for the Flu Protection Act of 2005 (S. 375/ H.R. 813), which offers a comprehensive approach designed to prevent future vaccine shortages and prepare the nation for a potential flu pandemic.
ANA Provides Testimony on APRNs and FECA

ANA authored and coordinated joint testimony submitted to a House committee regarding the Federal Employee's Compensation Act's (FECA's) recognition of advanced practice registered nurse (APRNs) services. The House Education and Workforce Subcommittee on Workforce Protections held a hearing on May 26 regarding federal employee's access to healthcare services through workers compensation. The testimony submitted by ANA focused on the need for FECA to recognize and reimburse APRNs. In addition to ANA's, support this testimony received the backing of the American College of Nurse-Midwives, the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, and the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists.
Association Health Plan Legislation Passes House, Future of Bill in Senate Unclear

U.S. House has approved legislation which would allow organizations to sponsor "association health plans" (AHPs) for their members. ANA opposes AHPs because they would pre-empt consumer protections provided by state insurance laws and regulations, including guaranteed access to Advanced Practice Registered Nurses such as nurse midwives, family nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists. Although the Senate has not considered AHP legislation in past years, this session may be different.

CMS Announces Proposed FY 2006 Medicare Physician Fee Rule

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) expects to pay approximately $56.5 billion to 875,000 physicians and other health care professionals in 2006, according to a proposed rule released August 1, 2005 that would update payment rates and revise payment policies under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.

Massachusetts Patient Safety Act Hearing

Stating that government-mandated, fixed ratios would "tie nurses' hands and make it harder for them to provide high-quality patient care," staff nurses and nursing leaders urged state leaders in Massachusetts to instead support the Massachusetts Patient Safety Act (SB 1260) as an alternative to nurse-to-patient ratios during testimony in Boston, July 13.
Oregon Staffing Bill Passes

With a vote of 55 to 0, the Oregon House of Representatives on July 15 passed a bill that will strengthen Oregon's original patient-protection laws by shielding nurses from excessive mandatory overtime and ensuring adequate nurse staffing. Proposed by the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA), HB 2800 is expected to be signed by Oregon's governor. "HB 2800 protects patients from an increased risk of errors that can accompany long working hours," said Susan King, ONA executive director. "ONA made a compelling case about the relationship between adequate nurse staffing in hospitals and good patient outcomes."
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ANA Wants YOU! Become a N-PAL Leader Today!

The American Nurses Association launched its Nurse Political Action Leader initiative in April and we are still looking for a few good nurses to represent ANA and the nursing community within each congressional district. The great aspect of this program - you can have your voice heard in Washington without coming to Washington!
Appointments, Bow-Outs, and Primaries...Oh My! An Update on the 2006 Senate Races

While a complete Senate breakdown was previously outlined in Capitol Update Political News, there have been several interesting developments that we wanted to provide to our loyal political junkies.

Keeping Track...House Passes Medical Malpractice Legislation

Before going home for the August recess, the House once again addressed the medical malpractice liability issue by passing the Help Efficient, Accessible, Low Cost, Timely, Health Care (HEALTH) Act of 2005 (H.R. 5) by a vote of 230 to194. Sponsored by retired physician Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-GA), the bill limits the amount of non-economic damages - damages for pain and suffering to $250,000 and limits punitive damages to two times the economic damages or to $250,000, whichever is greater. The bill also restricts the amount of contingency fees a plaintiff's attorney can receive from a medical malpractice award. This is the eighth time that similar legislation has passed in the House. The Senate has not acted on medical malpractice legislation yet this year.
Emergency Funds Approved for VA Health Care Programs

The Senate on Friday July 29, voted 99 to 1 to approve the fiscal year 2006 Interior-Environment appropriations bill which includes a $1.5 billion increase to the budget for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care programs. The extra veterans funds, which will close the gap for the current fiscal year were added to the $26.3 billion bill for next year's budget for the Interior Department. The supplemental funds were needed after the VA underestimated the number of veterans who would seek care as well as the increased costs of treatment and long term care. The House approved the supplemental VA funding earlier in the week. The bill now moves to President Bush.
Keeping Track...Senate Committee Approves Appropriations

The Senate Appropriations Committee approved the fiscal year (FY) 2006 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations bill on July 21. This bill includes funding for nursing recruitment, education, and retention.
Georgetown University Releases Study on AHP Legislation

The Georgetown University Health Policy Institute has released a study analyzing the impact of federal association health plan (AHP) legislation.
CMS Releases the Toolkit for Healthcare Professionals

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has released a toolkit for Healthcare Professionals to help them understand the new Part D Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage. To access the toolkit and other educational resources, visit the drug coverage information webpage (Medlearn) for physicians and other healthcare professionals. The Toolkit for Healthcare Professionals: Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage includes downloadable educational materials specifically for physicians and other healthcare professionals and their staff to learn the basics about Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage.