Governmental Affairs/Professional Advocacy Q & A 

Does the PA Association have anyone who has evaluated the HealthCare reform Bill and if so what were there findings and position on the Bill.

Neither AAOHN or PAAOHN has a formal position on Mr. Obama's Health Care Reform.  Both organizations do support the need for Health Care reform.
Please refer to AAOHN 2009 Public Policy Statement, excerpt from this
statement: Health care must be accessible, affordable and flexible for individuals to make informed choices based on individual health and safety needs. Individuals must not be limited and/or restricted in their selection of health care providers, based on provider politics, privileges and/or compensation. AAOHN believes that individuals have a right to know who is taking care of them and what credentials qualify them to provide health care services. AAOHN is supportive of the movement to create a healthy culture that in turn will help America become the "healthiest nation."
http://www.aaohn.org/public_policy/upload/Public_Policy_2009.pdf

The American Nurses Association (ANA) Nurses Stand with Mr. Obama in Calling for Healthcare Reform. For more information on ANA's positions on healthcare reform visit their website:
www.nursingworld.org/healthcarereform.

Several members who have taken a personal interest in monitoring Mr. Obama's bill, some members support his efforts much like ANA and yet other members agree with Sarah Palin's concerns about this plan. Many bloggers on the internet provide their ongoing opinion and summary on Mr. Obama's health care reform bill.

I hope you find this information helpful.

Daurice Holly
PAAOHN-President

Pennylvania Nurses Gather to Celebrate 'Nurse Week'

May 6, 2009

The Pennsylvania State Nurses Association (PSNA) partnered together with the PA Coalition of Nurse Practitioners (PACNP) in the Main Rotunda of the Capitol Building today to mark and celebrate national Nurse Week. Legislators attending the press conference today were Representative John Siptroth (R-Monroe), William Adolph Jr. (R-Delaware), and Senator Patricia Vance (R-Cumberland).

Dr. Patrick Kenny, President of PSNA, welcomed nurses to their lobby day and thanked the PACNP for their support. Dr. Kenny explained that this year’s theme for nurse’s week is “Nurses: Building a Healthy American,” and is marked from May 6th to May 12th, the birthday of Florence Nightingale. Dr. Kenny said there are over 250,000 nurses that are active in practically every facet of healthcare. 

Daurice Holly, PAAOHN President and Kathy Emanski, SVAPOHN Director attended.  Check the photos below.
 

Congratulations to PAAOHN for this prestigious award!  The Chapter Governmental Affairs Award is given by AAOHN to a State Chapter that promotes and recognizes state chapter's governmental affairs activities.  Activities focus on legislative or regulatory issues, and health policies that relate to the practice of occupational and environmental health.

Pictured left to right:
Susan Randolph, AAOHN Past President, Daurice Holly, PAAOHN President Elect and PA State Legislative Coordinator, Mary Garrison, AAOHN Awards Committee