NAPNAP e-Chapter October 2019 Health Policy Report

October 2019 Health Policy Report

CHPLC Call: October 2, 2019

It is critical to contact our legislators to get their support on Title VIII Nursing Workforce Legislation. This legislation supports multiple issues critical to nurses including supporting the advance practice nursing work force, diversity grants, and the nurse faculty loan repayment program. Authorization the government to establish a program and the terms and conditions under which it operates and authorizes the enactment of appropriations for that agency or program. Appropriation gives federal agencies the legal authority to incur obligations and the Treasury Department authority to make payments. The last time this bill was authorized was in 2010; it must be reauthorized if we expect to continue receiving federal funds for the important programs supported by Title VIII.

Health Policy Call: October 16, 2019

NAPNAP News:

On November 4, 2019, members who are not going to Capital Hill Day in Washington, DC will have the opportunity to participate virtually. You will receive an email to act by sending letters about items affecting practice and the health and welfare of child to your legislators. NAPNAP has done all the work, it will only require virtual attendees to make a few keystrokes on your computer. Please join us for this critical health policy event.

Official Statement on Vaping:

On September 20, 2019, NAPNAP made an official statement about vaping. NAPNAP recommends avoiding the use of e-cigarettes or vaping and encourages APRNs to screen every patient for the use of tobacco products including e-cigarettes. Any unusual lung findings possibly related to use of these products should be reported to the local or state health department. These patients should be referred as needed. NAPNAP also encourages all pediatric providers to complete NAPNAP’s educational course on e-cigarettes available at PedsCE. NAPNAP will continue its efforts with the Food and Drug Administration and legislators to work to provide oversight and reduce the harm possibly related to these products and their use.  

State Reports:

In Texas, a physician made statements to the media about an NP who violated patient safety by prescribing high levels of testosterone for her patients. He stated the board of nursing had not taken any action and was allowing this NP to continue to work and prescribe medications. The board had taken action and revoked the offender’s license. The physician’s statement has made it to the national news level making it look bad for the NP profession. NAPNAP is aware of this problem and is working with AANP regarding a crisis management plan/statement.

Ohio introduced a bill to decrease practice barriers. Everyone will be watching to see how it progresses.

APRNs in several states addressed issues they are having with a rule that they cannot delegate to non-licensed personnel. Nurses can delegate, but APRNs cannot so they are in violation of the rules. A group is looking into making changes in this rule.

A university in TX is working on a plan to streamline a program to educate nurses to become physicians rather than APRNs. This program would come under the ruling of the Medical Board in TX rather than the Board of Nursing. Cathy Lux is going to investigate this and report back to NAPNAP.

Dave Mason Report:

Immigration: Several courts have issued injunctions blocking public rules. The administration is planning to appeal these rulings and may ask for an expedited appeal sending it straight to the Supreme Court for a ruling.

Vaping: The CDC reports 26 deaths and 1300 lung injury cases related to vaping. House Bill HR 2339 hopes to address this issue by requesting raising the age to purchase the products, prevent internet sales, prevent secondary sales, and additional restrictions. This bill is set for a hearing on October 16 and will then progress to being marked up before being sent to the floor for a vote.

Scope of Practice: President Trump issued an executive order to improve Medicare for seniors. The order is designed to eliminate burdensome billing, licensure issues, disparity of payment for different level of providers for the same services, etc. This bill could present a good opportunity for pediatric focused APRNs.

Government Funding: The current budgeting deadline is November 21, 2019, at present there are no groups working to put together a measure to continue government funding. At present there are 27 days left before the Christmas break. It is concerning if any action will be taken to continue funding the government or if an extension will be completed.

Nursing Workforce: This legislation is currently in a good place. There are a large number of supporters from both sides of the isle. The House has already increased funding for this bill. The Senate has not moved the fill forward and has not marked it up yet, so it has a long way to go on the Senate side.

Work Requirements for Medicaid: Many courts have overturned the requirement for recipients to meet a work hour requirement to receive Medicaid.