Capitol Update, brought to you by the American Nurses Association
Capitol Update, a legislative newsletter for nurses
Volume 6/Issue No. 7 October 2, 2008
Article Photo ANA Endorses Senator Barack Obama for President

Recognizing his longstanding commitment to nursing and healthcare, the American Nurses Association has endorsed Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) for president in the 2008 election. Rebecca M. Patton, MSN, RN, CNOR, President of the ANA, said, "As President, Barack Obama will bring real change to our health care system."
House Committee Fails to Consider Nurse Immigration Bill

On three separate occasions in the month of September, The House Judiciary Committee was scheduled to consider but failed to move forward on the Emergency Nursing Supply Relief Act of 2008 (H.R. 5924). ANA has been closely monitoring this complex bill which would provide for a temporary increase in nurse immigration while also providing a new funding source for domestic schools of nursing.
Last Push for Mental Health Parity

The Senate passed Mental Health Parity and Addiction legislation on October 1, bringing Congress one step closer to enactment of this vital legislation before the 110th Congress adjourns for the year. The House is scheduled to take final action on Friday, October 3 before the legislation is sent to the President's desk. The stakes are high--if the House fails to pass the bill before the close of legislative session, advocates will need to start anew when the new Congress convenes in January.
Congress Flat Funds Nursing Through March, 2009

On September 27, the Senate passed a stop-gap spending bill that continues FY 2008 funding levels for nursing programs through March 6, 2009. The House had passed the bill (H.R. 2638) earlier in the week. This legislation, known as a 'continuing resolution' (CR) is needed to keep the federal government operating past the October 1, 2008 start of the new fiscal year. President Bush signed the CR into law on September 30.

ANA Advocates for Nursing in Medicare Comments

In August and September 2008, ANA commented on three proposed rules for Medicare programs, involving: Rural Health Clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers; the Physician Fee Schedule; and the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System.
Medicare Tidbits

Brief updates on new information and rules impacting Medicare, including information on hospital acquired conditions, hospital compare, discharge planning, PQRI and Part D.

What's Hot!/What's Not!

Participants representing twenty eight states assembled in Washington, DC September 24th through 26th for the ninth annual ANA/CMA lobbyist meeting to address what�s hot and what's not in policy at the state level. A number of common themes emerged across states. In spite of many states projecting budget shortfalls for the next fiscal year, patient safety remains a top priority for many ANA Constituent Member Associations - CMAs (state nurses associations). Most believe that health care will be one of the dominant issues at the federal and state levels. The two chief issues on the agenda for discussion during the meeting were that of safe nurse staffing and nursing education advancement, the latter resulting from a recently adopted ANA House of Delegates resolution.
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ANA Members Vote on ANA's Virtual Voting Booth

Since 1984, ANA has played an integral role engaging nurses in Presidential politics. To continue this tradition, ANA engaged Presidential contenders on both sides of the aisle in our endorsement process, which included completion of an ANA candidate questionnaire and a candidate interview*.
American Nurses Association Hosts Health Care Town Hall Event at Democratic and Republican Conventions

The American Nurses Association, along with The Creative Coalition, the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA), American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), American Health Care Association (AHCA), National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL), and AARP, hosted town hall meetings during both the Democratic and Republican National Conventions to discuss vital health care issues.
ANA Launches Nurses for Obama Website

The American Nurses Association is excited to announce the launch of our website "Nurses for Obama Biden." This website is dedicated to providing nurses with the tools necessary to educate others about ANA's endorsement and the importance of electing the Obama-Biden ticket, as well as updating nurses on the latest Obama-Biden campaign news.

ANA Urges FDA to Ban Toxic Chemical Found in Children's Products

ANA recently delivered testimony at an FDA public hearing urging the agency to eliminate the use of the chemical Bisphenol A (BPA) in food, health care, and children's products. BPA has been linked to the disruption of hormone activity, can be found in everyday food items such as epoxy-based food can liners and polycarbonate baby bottles.
ANA Comments on HHS

ANA has joined comments opposing a regulation recently proposed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that could significantly limit patients' access to both health care services and important information about their health care options. If implemented, the proposed regulation would significantly expand the ability of health care providers to withhold treatment, counseling, or medical information based on religious and moral beliefs-without any regard for the needs of patients. ANA is deeply concerned about the implications of the proposed regulations on access to care.
FDA To Post Drug Safety Issues on Website

The Food and Drug Administration will begin posting quarterly reports of certain drugs being evaluated for potential safety issues on its website, www.fda.gov. The "Potential Signals of Serious Risks/New Safety Information" will be based on reports of adverse events. FDA warns that listing means a drug only has a potential safety issue, and should not be interpreted as a warning to stop taking that medication.
DEA To Allow E-Prescribing Of Controlled Substances

The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) recently proposed regulations to allow the electronic prescribing of controlled substances. ANA's comments of September 25, 2008 support the general concept, but the final rules must adapt to evolving authority for advance practice registered nurses (APRNs) to prescribe controlled substances.