Senate Introduces the BCRA
This summer, Senate Republicans introduced the Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017, their version of a repeal and replace bill.
Urgent action alert: Support federal proposal on nurse staffing transparency
Make your voice heard today in support of safe hospitals! Deadline for comments is June 13th. Federal Government Proposes Adopting New Consumers Tool Increasing Transparency on the Critical Role of Nurses in Measuring Patient Outcomes
Opioid Prescribing Guideline Implementation-Call for Public Comments by June 23, 2017
The Nursing Commission sent out the following information on behalf of Washington State Agency Medical Directors Group: The Washington State Agency Medical Directors Group (AMDG) developed a comprehensive Guideline on Prescribing Opioids for Pain in June 2015. The Guidelines were subsequently adopted by the Bree Collaborative at the July 2015 meeting. The AMDG workgroup will design and carry out strategies to implement the Guidelines. Your feedback is requested on the Bree Collaborative draft opioid prescribing metrics. Call for Public Comments by June 23, 2017.
Public Health – Seattle & King County Director Patty Hayes selected for The Kresge Foundation’s Emerging Leaders in Public Health Initiative
Patty Hayes, MN, RN, a member of WSNA’s Nursing Hall of Fame and Director of Public Health – Seattle & King County, is among thosechosen to be part of The Kresge Foundation’s Emerging Leaders in Public Health Initiative. Hayes and Carina Elsenboss, the department’s Preparedness Director, will be working to transform public health in the communities they serve.
WSNA Response to Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers Vote on the AHCA
WSNA, along with our professional partners at the Inland Empire Nurses Association and ARNPs United of Washington State, have taken action to express our deep disappointment with the recent vote in favor of the AHCA cast by Representative McMorris Rodgers.
Governor signs Patient Safety Act, marking a step forward in strengthening how hospitals develop nurse staffing plans
OLYMPIA – (May 8, 2017) The state’s leading organizations representing nurses and hospitals today applauded Governor Jay Inslee’s signing of the Patient Safety Act, a collaborative effort to strengthen nurse staffing committees and staffing plans for nurses in hospitals across the state.
WSNA Statement Opposing the American Health Care Act
On May 4, 2017, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the American Health Care Act, repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act. WSNA Executive Director Judy Huntington, MN, RN, released the following statement on May 5: "The American Health Care Act (AHCA) passed by the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday will be devastating for patients and families in Washington state and across the county."
ACHA Passes the House
On May 4, the AHCA passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a two-vote margin.
Governor Inslee Proclaims May 6-12 Nurses Week in Washington State
The Governor's proclamation makes it official: May 6-12, 2017 is Nurses Week in Washington state, and May 6, 2017 is Nurses Day. Read the Proclamation!
Washington Drug Card Available for Washington Residents
The Washington Drug Card is working to distribute free discount prescription cards to all Washingtonians in an effort to ensure that all residents have access to the medications and prescriptions they need.
2017 Legislative Session Wrap Up
In this week’s update: 2017 Budget Priorities, 2017 Policy Priorities and 2017 Other Bills of Interest
Staffing bill passage a major step forward in ensuring safe staffing
HB1714 ensures transparency and accountability for hospital nurse staffing plans The Washington State Nurses Association applauds the legislature for passing the Patient Safety Act today, addressing WSNA’s top issue of safe staffing. The bill creates greater transparency and accountability for nurse staffing plans and the work of nurse staffing committees in hospitals.
Washington Healthplanfinder Enrollment Exceeds 200,000
The Washington Health Benefit Exchange today announced that as of this April, more than 204,000 Washington Healthplanfinder customers have enrolled in a 2017 Qualified Health Plan during the most recent open enrollment period – a 23 percent jump over the previous year.
Legislative Session Week 14
In this week’s update: Staffing Bill Progresses, School Nurse Supervision Headed for Governor’s Desk & Outlook for Special Session
Legislative Session Week 13
In this week’s update: School Nurse Supervision Headed for Governor’s Desk, Staffing Bill Progresses, Public Health Policy Bill Dies & Budget Negotiations
Suicide Prevention Training: Guidance from the Nursing Commission
Nursing Commission guidance on the suicide prevention training requirements for health care providers, including registered nurses, enacted in Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1424, which modified the law enacted in 2014 (RCW 43.70.442).
National Nurses Week 2017 is almost here!
For National Nurses Week, May 6–12, ANA will explore this year’s theme, “Nursing: the Balance of Mind, Body, and Spirit.” Download resources for your recognition planning and Nurses Week celebrations from the ANA website.
From the FDA: EpiPen and and EpiPen Jr Auto-Injector: Recall - Failure to Activate Device
The FDA on Friday issued an additional recall on EpiPens sold in the U.S. and abroad due to a potential defect that could make the device difficult to activate in an emergency (failure to activate or increased force needed to activate) and have significant health consequences for a patient experiencing a life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).
Legislative Session Week 12
In this week’s update: Staffing Bill Progresses, Rest Breaks Bill Dies, School Nurse Supervision Bills & House Budget
Legislative Session Week 11
In this week’s update: Staffing & Rest Breaks Progress, Senate Budget, School Nurse Supervision and Attend Your Legislators’ Town Hall Meetings
Legislative Session Week 10
In this week’s update: State Revenue Forecast & Upcoming Budget Release, Staffing & Rest Breaks – Attend the Hearings Next Week, School Nurse Supervision and Attend Your Legislators’ Town Hall Meetings
Legislative Session Week 9
In this week’s update: Priority Bills, Legislators' Town Halls and ACA Replacement
Patient Safety Awareness Week Is March 12-18, 2017
Patient Safety Awareness Week, a highlight of the United for Patient Safety Campaign, is time dedicated to raising awareness about patient safety among health professionals and the public. Join the Twitter chat or watch the free webinar.
2017 Northwest Public Health Leadership Institute accepting applications
Applications are open for the Northwest Public Health Leadership Institute, a nine-month program offered through the University of Washington School of Public Health designed to build collaborative leadership skills for professionals committed to improving health equity.