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AFFORDABLE CARE ACT
ANA and nurses are crucial to keeping health care reforms rolling
The American Nurses Association (ANA) has a long and strong tradition of working for vulnerable patients' access to preventive services and cost-effective, quality care. And ANA and nurse members did not let up on their health care reform efforts even as the U.S. Supreme Court began hearing arguments on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in late March.
ANA and nurse members demonstrated on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, DC, in support of the ACA. Concurrent activities included an online, daily analysis of the court proceedings; a Twitter chat in which nurses nationwide could pose questions about the ACA and arguments before the court; and participation in numerous media interviews. ANA also continuously updates helpful online charts and documents that describe its ongoing advocacy for RNs and patients as elements of health care reform are implemented. (To view ANA resources, go to http://nursing world.org/healthcarereform.)
"ANA remains steadfast in support of the ACA, which increases access to care for tens of millions of people, and will strengthen and improve the health care system for generations to come," said Cynthia Haney, JD, senior policy fellow in ANAs Department of Nursing Practice and Policy.
ANA President Karen A. Daley, PhD, MPH, RN, FAAN, stressed that, "The law is designed to move us from a system that provides illness care to one that provides patientcentered and preventive health care, and that is what nurses do best. That's why it's so important that as the law's provisions continue to be implemented, nurses are able to contribute all their skills and knowledge to the care of patients."
What's at stake
There are many parts of the law...