Capitol Update, brought to you by the American Nurses Association
Capitol Update, a legislative newsletter for nurses
Volume 4/Issue 8 September 29, 2006
Article Photo Act Now to Preserve Respiratory Protections

Congress adjourned in late September without acting on the labor and health appropriations bill that contains the ANA-opposed Wicker rider. This rider would prohibit the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) from enforcing regulations requiring the annual fit-test of respirators used to protect health care workers from infectious diseases. Congress is expected to act on this bill in November. Contact your Representative today to urge them to oppose the Wicker rider!
House Committee Approves HSA Bill, Real Health Care Reform Legislation Still Awaits Consideration

On Wednesday, September 27, the House Ways and Means Committee voted along party lines (24-14) to approve a bill that seeks to expand enrollment in health savings accounts (HSAs). The bill, H.R. 6134, the Health Opportunity Patient Empowerment Act of 2006, was introduced by Reps. Eric Cantor (R-VA) and Paul Ryan (R-WI).
ANA Endorses the Medicare Quality Enhancement Act

On September 8, ANA endorsed the Medicare Quality Enhancement Act of 2006 (S. 3900) which was introduced in by Sen. Judd Gregg (R-NH) on September 14. This bill is cosponsored by Sens. Bob Bennett (R-UT), Richard Burr (R-NC), John Cornyn (R-TX), Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN), and John Sununu (R-NH). It has also been endorsed by the Leapfrog group. ANA supports the Medicare Quality Enhancement Act because it would improve access to Medicare data to encourage research on health care quality and efficiency.

McClellan Resigns as CMS Administrator

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Deputy Administrator Leslie Norwalk will serve as acting agency administrator beginning Oct. 15, when current administrator Dr. Mark McClellan plans to leave the agency. McClellan announced his resignation on Sept. 5, saying that he wants to spend more time with his family and that he will probably join a think tank or take a position in academia. Herb Kuhn, director of the Center for Medicare Management at CMS, will replace Norwalk as acting deputy administrator
HHS Releases $13 Million for Community Prevention Programs for Older Americans

On September 28, Health and Human Services Secretary announced the release of more than $13 million to support the delivery of evidence based programs for senior aging services provider organizations such as senior centers, nutrition programs senior housing projects and faith based organizations in 16 states. At least 35 communities will have programs up and running within a year.

ANA Hosts the 7th CMA Nationwide State Legislative Agenda Meeting

The American Nurses Association (ANA) convened State Nurses Association (CMA) lobbyists from all over the nation for the 7th annual ANA/CMA Lobbyist Meeting - "Think Nationally, Act Locally" in Alexandria, Virginia, September 13- 15, 2006. The group met to discuss strategies and develop legislative solutions to the critical issues facing nurses and patients in today's challenging health care environment.
copyright 2006, American Nurses Association
For more information contact:
gova@ana.org
Tell a Friend about Capitol Update
manage newsletter subscription
visit archives
Adopt A Pro-Nursing Candidate!

Although there are only 40 days until the general election, there are a myriad of ways nurses can get involved in this year's mid-term election: Adopt A Pro-Nursing Candidate!
Ready....Set...Go...40 Days and Counting to the Mid-Term Elections

The troops have been deployed, strategists from both parties are in the trenches for the last 40 days and nights until the election, and ANA is profiling some races for YOU to watch!

Carlos Jackson Joins the ANA Government Affairs Team

Hello ANA members! My name is Carlos Jackson and I would like to introduce myself as one of the new Senior Political Action Specialists with the ANA. I am truly happy to be here and look forward to working with a great organization like the ANA as we countdown the final weeks towards the 2006 Congressional elections. If you have any questions or ideas regarding the ANA's political and grassroots agendas, please do not hesitate to contact me at carlos.jackson@ana.org.
CDC Study Links ER Crowding Conditions to Nursing Shortage

In recent years, growth in the use of hospital emergency medical services has coincided with a decline in the number of emergency departments (EDs) raising concerns about the capacity of EDs that continue to operate. Between 40 percent and 50 percent of U.S. hospitals experience crowded conditions in the emergency department (ED) with almost two-thirds of metropolitan EDs experiencing crowding at times, according to a new report issued today by CDC's National Center for Health Statistics. One of the results of the study indicated that crowding in metropolitan EDs was associated with a higher percentage of nursing vacancies, higher patient volume, and longer patient waiting and treatment durations.
Fast ANA-PAC Fact

ANA-PAC was established in 1974 to raise money to support Federal candidates who demonstrate their belief in the legislative and regulatory agenda of ANA. Because of ANA-PAC, we have achieved many important and historic legislative advances at the Federal level in recent years.