Joint statement from state nurses associations on Medicaid enrollee disclosure to ICE

The Washington State Nurses Association, American Nurses Association\California, and American Nurses Association Illinois express their profound and strong disapproval of recent actions that led to Medicaid enrollee data being shared with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), particularly in our states, where eligible residents are able to enroll in the program, regardless of immigration status. Care for non-citizens and non-permanent residents is covered by state funds.

Nurses and other healthcare providers encouraged enrollment in Medicaid to improve their health outcomes as it was a state sanctioned benefit. Patients placed their trust in us, believing this information would be used solely to support their care. Using it instead to penalize those it was intended to protect is both unethical and inhumane. It is a betrayal of trust. Nurses are staunch advocates for their patients and families, without judgment, in accordance with the Nursing Code of Ethics.

We understand that when patients can access health coverage, it stabilizes the system for patients, providers and health care organizations. The release of personal protected health information, especially in states that authorized the coverage enrollment of these individuals, is a horrific and immoral exploitation of the human right to seek health care. We wholeheartedly condemn this action, and demand that the information not be used to target any individuals.