LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS
NEW! Upcoming Legislative Breakfast - Eau Claire, WI - Monday, April 29
You are warmly invited to join your legislators, colleagues
and fellow students in a discussion of current health care and nursing issues.
This is your opportunity to get involved, learn more about the political
process and how it impacts on our profession. Help us make sure that nurses
have a voice at the table!
State and federal legislators will be in attendance. We will
be specifically addressing 411.11 Fix My Nurse Practice Act,"Nurses Change
Lives" License Plate, and Title Protection and Licensure for APRNs. Registration
is required; please click here to register . Registration is $7 and includes a
light breakfast.
Legislative Priorities
Fix My Nurse Practice Act
On February 21, 2012, Wisconsin's legislature passed SB 383, which created a licensure process for Anesthesiologist Assistants under the Medical Examining Board. Without consulting the State Board of Nursing or the Wisconsin Nurses Association, SB 383 included a last-minute amendment that added a section to Wisconsin's Nurse Practice Act. Section 441.11 mandates an Anesthesiologist-to-Nurse Anesthetist student ratio.
This dangerous addition, performed without involving Wisconsin's 77,000 RNs, establishes a precedent of amending our Nurse Practice Act without consensus and research. There is no evidence that proves this ratio improves patient safety and student learning.
Contact your elected official about removing 441.11 from our Nurse Practice Act during the next legislative session.
https://acrobat.com/?d=j4Rn4agXIp*4P8oT9zYMSw
Title Protection and
Licensure Legislative Initiative Moves Forward
WNA is lobbying for legislation that will provide title
protection and separate licensure for Advanced Practice Nurses in
Wisconsin. This is an initiative that is being supported by WNA's APRN
Forum, Wisconsin Clinical Nurse Specialist Association, Wisconsin Association
of Nurse Anesthetists and Wisconsin Chapter of the Certified Nurse Midwives who
as a coalition has developed the desired language.
To view the proposed language click here.
WNA Members Sucessfully Provide Feedback for CMS Rules, ANA Issues Summary
WNA recently held conference calls asking for feedback on proposed changes to Conditions of Participation from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Our national affiliate, the American Nurses Association, incorporated WNA's comments and successfully influenced CMS to recognize nursing and allow for greater flexibility in care.
To read ANA's statement, click here.
WNA will inform members of additional future opportunities to promote, protect, and advance professional nursing in Wisconsin.
WNA's Governmental Affairs Program (GOVA)
The purpose of WNA's GOVA Program is to influence policies that promote, protect or advance the practice of professional nurses in Wisconsin. WNA's efforts at both the federal and state levels are as follows:
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Political strategy through WNA's Public Policy Council and ANA's GOVA Program.
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Statement of Position. Issue policy statements on issues impacting nursing, health, rights, safety, practice and educaiton and the patients and communities we care for.
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Lobbying. WNA lobbyist testifying and meeting with legislators regarding proposed legislation.
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Grass Roots Lobbying. WNA members are alerted to take action by contacting their legislator regarding specific legislative bills.
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Education. Provide information and updates on policy issues that impact nursing through formal educational offerings.
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Communication. Email alerts and website postings on legislation tracking and monitoring, STAT Bulletin (members only) and WNA Weekly Monitor (members only) keeps members aware of legislation interested to WNA.
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WINPAC is WNA's political action arm which supports candidates running for political office at the state level.
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