Last Week at the AZ Legislature...

AzNA tracks bills based on our Public Policy Agenda. This agenda focuses on the health of all Arizonans and the professional practice and work environment of our Arizona nurses.

April 9, 2018-

Budget, Budget, Budget

As the 53rd Legislature, 2nd Regular Session begins to wind down, the budget is the prime topic of discussion. Non-budget bills are moving slowly through the process until the budget is passed (hopefully sometime this week).

The Governor's school safety proposal to increase funds for on-campus police officers, introduced on March 19th, is still being discussed. We are unsure at this time whether it will be taken up in the regular session or warrant a special session like the opioid bill. One thing that we can be sure of; there will be a strong debate by both sides.

Dead, but Now Alive!

HB2127 children’s health insurance program died after it passed out of the house because it was never heard in a senate committee. This was an AzNA supported bill and we have not yet given up hope! The language in 2127 has been re-purposed and now appears in the striker SB1087 Notice of program suspension or termination: spending limit. This would add flexibility in the legislature to continue to fund Kid's Care when federal funding decreases and is being held up in the ongoing budget discussions.

Tag…You’re It!

These bills originated in the house, passed the house, then the senate, but need to go back to the house for final approval due to a senate amendment.

HB2323 schools: inhalers; contracted nurses adds nurses who are contracted (and not just employed) to the list of professionals who can administer inhalers at schools. If approved, it will head to the Governor’s office to be signed.

HB2549 controlled substances; dosage limit adds NPs with advanced pain certification as eligible to serve as medical directors of pain clinics. If approved, it will head to the Governor’s office to be signed.

Signed Into Law by Governor

HB2085 schools; emergency epinephrine administration adds NPs as prescribers of epinephrine to the statute allowing its administration at schools.

Thursday, May 3, 2018   |   Webinar

Patient non-adherence can come in many forms: unwillingness to follow a course of therapy, repeated missed appointments, rejecting treatment recommendations, reluctance to take medications, refusal to provide information or chronic late payments. If left unchecked, such conduct may result in litigation. The objective of this presentation is to empower nurses with strategies to not only recognize these patient behaviors but also take steps to reduce the likelihood of malpractice claims. Using selected claim scenarios, RNs and LPNs/LVNs can examine their own current risk control practices in relation to the claims and losses experienced by their peers. More Information

Note from AzNA: We value our relationship with the community and are pleased to list healthcare related events occurring in Arizona. Posting of these events does not automatically carry CE credit for nurses nor have they been officially endorsed by AzNA.  If you have an event you would like included on the AzNA website and/or placed in the AzNA Today Weekly Newsletter, please submit an Event Inclusion Form. 

July 13 -22, 2018   |   Akyem, Ghana

Do you want to personally help deliver health & hope to the world? Travel with Us!
Project C.U.R.E. dispatches teams of medical professionals to provide public health education, direct care, treatment and training. YOU will have the opportunity to use your medical expertise to help some of the neediest patients in the world, while experiencing a new culture and making new friends. Our July Ghana Trip is looking for nurses and primary care providers. Spots are filling fast! Sign up today. 

Note from AzNA: We value our relationship with the community and are pleased to list healthcare related events occurring in Arizona. Posting of these events does not automatically carry CE credit for nurses nor have they been officially endorsed by AzNA.  If you have an event you would like included on the AzNA website and/or placed in the AzNA Today Weekly Newsletter, please submit an Event Inclusion Form.