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Posted By Madi Moyer,
Thursday, April 21, 2022
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It has been a few weeks since our last Policy Pulse. In that time, committee hearings ended for the session and there has been a great deal of behind-the-scenes movement with strong outcomes for every one of Arizona’s nurses.
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SB1311 the healthcare workers assault bill, was passed by the legislature and at this writing is on the Governor’s desk for signature into law.
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The OR smoke bill, HB2434, was passed by the legislature and signed into law by the Governor.
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AzNA’s coalition healthcare workforce bill, HR2691, cleared the full House and through the Senate committees. It is being held for budget negotiations which are currently beginning in force at the legislature. (This is all good news, and your AzNA policy team is hard at work ensuring strong funding for Arizona’s nursing and healthcare workforce pipeline.)
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HB2098, establishing that psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioners may perform psychiatric assessments in pediatric patients, in addition to psychiatrists and physicians, was signed into law by the Governor.
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SB1234, continuation of the Arizona Board of Nursing, was signed into law with a 4-year continuation.
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SB1640, which defines the minimum age for CNAs as 16 years old, was signed into law, opening up the possibility for more CNA training programs in Arizona’s high schools.
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SB1654, which establishes the requirement to have seizure management plans in schools, passed through the full Senate and House, and is on its way back to the Senate for a final read and then to the Governor to be signed into law. Importantly, this bill includes registered nurse practitioners as authorized providers to establish seizure management plans and protects school nurses from civil liability related to seizure management plans.
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SB1637, which ensures the right of health professionals to practice the profession for which they are licensed in any form of business entity or employee-ship, passed the full Senate and House. It is headed back to the Senate for a final read and then on to the Governor to be signed into law.
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HB2429, which ensures confidentiality for healthcare professionals, including nurses, who engage in a wellness program for health professionals including substance abuse programs, has passed the full House and Senate. It is headed back to the House for a final read and then on to the Governor to be signed into law. This is a bill that was originally targeted to physicians. Your AzNA advocacy team collaborated with our physician colleagues to ensure that nurses will also have confidentiality protections that allow us to seek the care we need in order to care for our patients and communities.
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SB1568, which establishes a clear set of expectations and timelines for health profession regulatory board investigations, has passed the full Senate, House committees, and is currently being amended for an expected hearing on the House floor. This bill seeks to avoid protracted periods for licensing board investigations of complaints against healthcare professionals including nurses. Your AzNA policy team has been working in close collaboration with our fellow healthcare profession colleagues to ensure that Arizona’s healthcare professionals have fair and just treatment in the case of a formal complaint investigation, and that Arizona’s health profession regulatory boards can operate with clarity about investigation expectations. This bill, when signed into law, will be a win-win for Arizona’s healthcare workforce and the public we serve.
Keep an eye and ear out for the budgeting process. Arizona’s current and future nursing and healthcare workforce is at stake. Make sure you know who your legislators are so that you can contact them in the next few weeks (we’ll let you know when) to advocate for the funding Arizona needs to educate, train, and retain world-class nurses.
Learn how the legislature works and master the policy process with Arizona Common Ground, an eight-episode educational podcast series (plus 2 bonus episodes!) that gives a behind the scenes glimpse of the state legislative system to familiarize the public health workforce on how health bills can become laws. Thanks to our friends at the Arizona Public Health Association for sharing this great resource.
By Krista R. Cardenas, MPH
AzNA Government Affairs Officer
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Posted By Administration,
Friday, March 11, 2022
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The last few weeks have marked forward progress for each of AzNA’s priority bills this session. Your AzNA policy team has been hard at work with a variety of healthcare coalitions to advance our priority initiatives along with a few other bills that impact nursing practice.
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SB1311 and HB2635, the mirror assault bills, both successfully passed out of their respective originating chambers. At this point, we are awaiting one of the bills to be scheduled for a Health and Human Services committee hearing in the crossover chamber order to advance the bill toward passage. We anticipate a substantial update on these bills next week.
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AzNA’s coalition healthcare workforce bill, HR2691, awaits a hearing in the Senate Appropriations committee.
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The OR smoke bill, HB2434, passed out of the Senate Health and Human Services committee this week. Next step is Senate Rules committee, then on to the full Senate.
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SB1234, continuation of the Arizona Board of Nursing, was heard by the House Health and Human Services committee with significant testimony from AzNA’s own Kathy Busby. There was discussion about a floor amendment to shorten the continuation from eight years to a shorter timeframe based on concerns expressed by legislators. The bill passed out of Health and Human Services and is on the House Rules agenda for Monday, March 14.
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SB1640, which defines the minimum age for CNAs as 16 years old, passed the House Health and Human Services committee and awaits House Rules.
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SB1210, which proposes to update transportation requirements for people experiencing a mental health crisis, is on the calendar for third read (full Senate passage) on Monday, March 14. There is also a stakeholder meeting scheduled for this bill in the coming week. Kathy Busby will be attending to represent AzNA, at the organizer’s request.
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HB2161, which would give parents the right to access all healthcare records for a minor child, unless prohibited by law enforcement or the courts. The bill states that any employee of an institution may not withhold any information that is relevant to the physical, emotional, or mental health of the child, upon penalty of disciplinary action against the individual and/or legal action against a governmental entity or official (including public and charter schools) by parents. The bill’s language includes parental rights to access written and electronic records of a school district or school district employee. AzNA’s government affairs team has been asked to review language, and we are communicating with the bill’s sponsor as there are potentially troubling implications for school nurses in the bill’s language.
Keep an eye out for scheduled hearings for our priority bills and practice armchair advocacy with just a few clicks of your mouse by using the Arizona Legislature’s RTS system. (Remember that although RTS stands for “Request to Speak” it doesn’t actually involve speaking!)
Note that you must activate your RTS account at a designated kiosk in the state capitol (or in downtown Tucson at 400 W. Congress St.) before you use it the first time. If you need help with that, please email dawna@aznurse.org and we can assist
As always, if you're interested in getting involved with AzNA's public policy committee or advocacy, email Dawna Cato at dawna@aznurse.org.
AzNA Government Affairs Officer
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Posted By Madi Moyer,
Monday, February 21, 2022
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This Week at the AZ Legislature...
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Hello Arizona Nurses!
Once again, our AzNA policy team had a busy week at the legislature with dozens of Arizona nurses at the Capitol for Healthcare Day on Wednesday, Feburary 16th. My heartfelt thanks to every nurse who joined us in the Rose Garden and for everyone who met with a legislator, attended a committee hearing, or sat in the House or Senate gallery to be recognized.
A very special thanks to AzNA’s Director of Operations, Wendy Knefelkamp, and AzNA’s CEO, Dawna Cato, for their tireless work to bring us together as a healthcare community on Wednesday. We couldn’t have done it without Wendy and Dawna’s amazing effort. Many dedicated members of AzNA’s public policy team were on site as well, and I heard some great feedback from legislator meetings and interactions. If you’re interested in getting involved with AzNA’s public policy committee, please email Dawna Cato at dawna@aznurse.org.
Recapping Week 6:
- One of AzNA’s flagship bills for this session, HB2434, continued forward, passing fully out of the House of Representatives. The next step for this bill is to be heard in the Senate Health and Human Services committee. We are awaiting a hearing date. This bill would require smoke evacuation systems or devices to be used in all operating rooms to decrease the risk of exposure to staff.
- On Monday 2/14, another one of AzNA’s flagship bills, HB2635, was heard and passed unanimously from the House Health and Human Services committee. The mirror bill, SB1311, was scheduled for a Senate Health and Human Services committee hearing on Wednesday 2/16, but was pushed to Monday 2/21. These bills address assaults to healthcare workers by proposing a multi-pronged approach to assault prevention. AzNA has been working hard to advance legislation to deal with workplace assault since 2020. We are optimistic that the strong support that we’ve built at the legislature over the past years will help us to get these bills through their respective chambers and signed into law to make healthcare workplaces safer for nurses and all of our colleagues. ER nurse John Fraleigh did a great job of testifying in the House on this bill, and will add his voice to the Senate committee hearing as well. If you haven’t already used the RTS system to sign in your support on SB1311, please do that now. (See the info and link for RTS below.)
- On Wednesday 2/16, AzNA’s third flagship bill, HB2691, passed the House Appropriations Committee. This bill proposes a multi-pronged approach to bolster and increase the nursing workforce by dedicating funds to support training, preceptorships, and transition-to-practice programs. Your AzNA legislative team, along with a broad coalition of partners, continues their hard work on this bill as it travels next to the House Rules committee and then to a full House vote before it can move to the Senate. AzNA’s lobbyist Kathy Busby gave compelling testimony in support of this bill, along with representatives from Dignity, Maricopa Community Colleges, Touchstone, and the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Joanne Osborne. As with the healthcare worker assault bills, you can help by using the RTS system to sign in your support on HR2691.
Looking Ahead to Week 7:
- Today (Monday 2/21), your AzNA legislative team will be testifying at the Senate Health and Human Services committee on SB1311, the assault bill.
- At this point, no new bills can be introduced and any bills that have not yet had a hearing in their originating chamber are effectively dead (stay tuned in a few weeks for the rise of the zombie bills, though…more on that later). Most of the other bills that AzNA has been following are waiting to be heard in Rules committee, on the House or Senate floor, or waiting for committee agenda assignments in their second chamber, like the OR smoke bill.
What can you do this week to support AzNA’s public policy agenda?
Don’t forget to practice armchair advocacy with just a few clicks of your mouse by using the Arizona Legislature’s RTS system. (Remember that although RTS stands for “Request to Speak” it doesn’t actually involve speaking!) Although there aren’t many committee hearings this week, we’ll be geared up once all the bills switch over to their opposite chamber soon.
Helpful Resources:
- AzNA’s public policy agenda
- RTS manual
- Note that you must activate your RTS account at a designated kiosk in the state capitol (or in downtown Tucson at 400 W. Congress St.) before you use it the first time. If you need help with that, please email dawna@aznurse.org and we can assist
One final note of erratum: I previously reported that AzNA signed in opposed to SB1052. That was my mistake alone; AzNA did not sign in at all on SB1052.
Heather Ross, DNP, PhD
AzNA Government Affairs Officer
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Posted By Administration,
Monday, February 14, 2022
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This Week at the AZ Legislature...
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Hello Arizona Nurses!
Our AzNA policy team had another busy week at the legislature with exciting hearings and lots of behind the scenes work to improve bills in process. Thanks to Christine Creen, Nichole Kuhns, Pat VanMaanen, Clay Mering, Dawna Cato, Leighanna Lawson, Jane Nakazato, Denise Link, Amber Porter, Selina Bliss, Georgina Rotzler, Hannah Challa, Sara Hererra, Jason Warren, Patricia Timmons, Jackie Martin, Rosemary Bolza, Rebecca Stoops, and Erin Luedtke for reviewing bills in the past week.
If you’re interested in getting involved, please email Dawna Cato at dawna@aznurse.org.
Recapping Week 5:
- AzNA signed in on several bills including:
- SB1052, which would disallow any government entity or business in Arizona from requiring any medical procedure including vaccines that have a potential implication that could cause death. AzNA is opposed to this bill, as it would essentially outlaw the ability to mandate any medical procedure as every procedure has the potential to cause bad outcomes that could lead to death. This bill would effectively disallow any school to require vaccinations and would pose a direct threat to public health and safety. This bill was not heard on 2/9 and is currently not scheduled for another committee hearing.
- SB1514 passed the Senate Health and Human Services committee. This bill would mandate that a patient can have two visitors of their choice with them at all times in a healthcare facility, excluding surgical theatres. AzNA remains opposed to this bill, as it may impede providers’ ability to provide safe and effective care in some situations, including in cases of suspected abuse, infectious disease emergency, or critical trauma.
- SB1639, which would require medical records integration for better tracking of controlled substances prescriptions. AzNA is supporting this bill, as it will improve safe access to care by providing an enhanced safeguard against abuse or unintentional overprescribing of controlled substances. This bill passed out of Senate Health and Human Services, and is awaiting a hearing in Senate Rules committee.
- One of AzNA’s flagship bills for this session, HB2434, continued its march forward, passing unanimously out of the House Health & Human Services committee last week on 1/31. This bill would require smoke evacuation systems or devices to be used in all operating rooms to decrease the risk of exposure to staff. Kudos to Dan Wade, RN for providing compelling testimony to improve the safety of OR nurses and all OR workers.
Get ready for a BIG Week 6:
- On Monday 2/14, one of AzNA’s flagship bills, HB2635, will be heard in the House Health and Human Services committee, and its mirror bill, SB1311, will be heard in the Senate Health and Human Services committee on Wednesday 2/16. These bills address assaults to healthcare workers by proposing a multi-pronged approach to assault prevention. AzNA has been working hard to advance legislation to deal with workplace assault since 2020. We are optimistic that the strong support that we’ve built at the legislature over the past years will help us to get these bills through their respective chambers and signed into law to make healthcare workplaces safer for nurses and all of our colleagues. Your AzNA legislative team will be testifying in support of these bills. You can help by using the RTS system to sign in your support on both HB2635 and SB1311. (See the info and link for RTS below.)
- On Wednesday 2/16, another one of AzNA’s flagship bills, HB2691, will be heard in the House Appropriations Committee. This bill proposes a multi-pronged approach to bolster and increase the nursing workforce by dedicating funds to support training, preceptorships, and transition-to-practice programs. Your AzNA legislative team, along with a broad coalition of partners, has been hard at work on this bill for several months. AzNA will be testifying in support of this bill. As with the healthcare worker assault bills, you can help by using the RTS system to sign in your support on HB2691.
- In addition to RTS, this week you can make your voice heard in real life this week by joining AzNA for Healthcare Day at the Capitol on Wednesday 2/16. If you haven’t already registered, you can do so here.
- AzNA is watching several other bills that have hearings this week – the last week for bills to be heard in their originating committee. Any bills that aren’t heard in their primary committee this week are considered “dead” so the committee agendas are extra full.
- HB2100: AzNA is supporting. This bill will make permanent some emergency pandemic provisions to allow public health data sharing using the state’s health information exchange.
- HB2490: AzNA is supporting. This bill would update the language around collaborative practice agreements for pharmacists, allowing pharmacists to practice to a fuller extent of their training and education, and improving access to quality care for patients, in line with AzNA’s public policy priorities.
- SB1210: AzNA is supporting. This bill would remove the requirement that a police officer carry out mental health transports between hospitals and other healthcare settings, allowing people experiencing mental healthcare needs to have better access to appropriate therapeutic encounters with specialized mental health transport professionals.
- SB1234: AzNA is supporting. This bill provides for the continued operation of the Arizona State Board of Nursing.
- SB1640: AzNA is supporting. This bill clarifies that certified nursing assistants must be at least 16 years old. This bill has the potential to open high-school based CNA programs to build the certified nursing assistant workforce, enhancing patient access to care.
- SB1654: AzNA is supporting. This bill establishes that parents or guardians of a student with a seizure disorder may submit a seizure management plan for school personnel to use in the event that the student experiences a seizure at school. The bill specifies that a school nurse must review the seizure plan and is not liable for civil penalties from good faith implementation of the plan. The bill also requires school nurses to complete an online course regarding managing students with seizure disorders, and that non-nurse school district employees who interact regularly with students shall complete an online course about seizure awareness, particularly for students with seizure disorders. This bill supports AzNA’s public policy priority related to safe and competent nursing care.
What can you do this week to support AzNA’s public policy agenda?
It’s not too late to join AzNA for Healthcare Day at the Capitol THIS WEEK on 2/16. More information and the registration link are here.
Don’t forget to practice armchair advocacy with just a few clicks of your mouse by using the Arizona Legislature’s RTS system. (Remember that although RTS stands for “Request to Speak” it doesn’t actually involve speaking!) We encourage you to sign in this weekend and register your support or opposition of the bills that will be heard on 2/9.
Helpful Resources
- AzNA’s public policy agenda
- RTS manual
- Note that you must activate your RTS account at a designated kiosk in the state capitol (or in downtown Tucson at 400 W. Congress St.) before you use it the first time. If you need help with that, please email dawna@aznurse.org and we can assist
I hope to see you out at the Capitol or signed in to support AzNA’s priority bills this week. We need YOU to help us move toward a healthier and safer Arizona for nurses, healthcare workers, and all Arizonans.
Heather Ross, DNP, PhD
AzNA Government Affairs Officer
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Posted By Administration,
Wednesday, February 9, 2022
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Hello Arizona Nurses!
Our AzNA policy team had another busy week at the legislature with exciting hearings and lots of behind the scenes work to improve bills in process. Thanks to Christine Creen, Nichole Kuhns, Pat VanMaanen, Clay Mering, Dawna Cato, Leighanna Lawson, Jane Nakazato, Denise Link, Amber Porter, Selina Bliss, Georgina Rotzler, Hannah Challa, Sara Hererra, Jason Warren, Patricia Timmons, Jackie Martin, Rosemary Bolza, Rebecca Stoops, and Erin Luedtke for reviewing bills in the past week.
If you’re interested in getting involved, please email Dawna Cato at dawna@aznurse.org.
Recapping Week 4:
- AzNA supported HB2083 which will provide funding for diabetes outpatient self-management training prescribed by primary care practitioners. This bill passed out of the House Health & Human Services committee on 1/31 and the House Appropriations Committee on 2/2. Next up is the House Rules Committee before a full House vote and then on to the Senate.
- AzNA supported HB2227 which will provide a financial incentive to conduct 6-week postpartum visits for AHCCCS enrollees. This bill passed out of the House Health & Human Services committee on 1/31. Next up will be hearings in House Appropriations and House Rules, which have not been scheduled yet.
- One of AzNA’s flagship bills for this session, HB2434, passed unanimously out of the House Health & Human Services committee last week on 1/31. This bill would require smoke evacuation systems or devices to be used in all operating rooms to decrease the risk of exposure to staff. Kudos to Dan Wade, RN for providing compelling testimony to improve the safety of OR nurses and all OR workers.
Looking Ahead to a Busy Week 5:
- This week is already off to a great start with HB2434, AzNA’s smoke evacuation bill, passing unanimously out of the House Rules Committee on 2/7. Next stop is the Committee of the Whole before a full House floor vote and then on to the Senate.
- AzNA is monitoring several bills being heard in the Senate Health and Human Services committee this week on 2/9, and will sign in on several including:
- SB1052, which would disallow any government entity or business in Arizona from requiring any medical procedure including vaccines that have a potential implication that could cause death. AzNA is opposed to this bill, as it would essentially outlaw the ability to mandate any medical procedure as every procedure has the potential to cause bad outcomes that could lead to death. This bill would effectively disallow any school to require vaccinations, and would pose a direct threat to public health and safety.
- SB1514, which would mandate that a patient can have two visitors of their choice with them at all times in a healthcare facility, excluding surgical theatres. AzNA is opposed to this bill, as it may impede providers’ ability to provide safe and effective care in some situations, including in cases of suspected abuse, infectious disease emergency, or critical trauma.
- SB1639, which would require medical records integration for better tracking of controlled substances prescriptions. AzNA is supporting this bill, as it will improve safe access to care by providing an enhanced safeguard against abuse or unintentional overprescribing of controlled substances.
- SB1640, which clarifies that certified nursing assistants must be at least 16 years old. AzNA is supporting this bill, as it provides clarifying language that has the potential to open high-school based CNA programs to build the certified nursing assistant workforce, enhancing patient access to care.
What can you do this week to support AzNA’s public policy agenda?
Register for Healthcare Day at the Capitol next week on 1/16 and catch the Legislative Session Bill Report Zoom session on 2/8 (or the recording if you miss it live).
Don’t forget to practice armchair advocacy with just a few clicks of your mouse by using the Arizona Legislature’s RTS system. (Remember that although RTS stands for “Request to Speak” it doesn’t actually involve speaking!) We encourage you to sign in today and register your support or opposition of the bills that will be heard on 2/9.
Stay tuned for more updates from the policy pulse in the coming weeks. Next week will be a big one with our other flagship bills addressing workplace assault and nursing workforce expected to be heard in committees. We’ll need the full force of our nursing community to weigh in to support these bills on their journey to improving nursing and healthcare for all Arizonans.
Heather Ross, DNP, PhD
AzNA Government Affairs Officer
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Posted By Administration,
Wednesday, June 19, 2019
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AzNA tracks bills based on our Public Policy Agenda focused on the health of all Arizonans along with the professional practice and work environment of our Arizona nurses.
June 18, 2019
#ThrowBackThursday
The 2019 Legislative Session ended May 28 and with that comes time to look back over what was accomplished by AzNA and AzNA lobbyists over the past 5 months. We invite you to read through the 2019 Legislative Summary Report.
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Have a Great Summer! Keep in Touch!
Thank you for reading Policy Pulse every week. It's Goodbye for now, but don't worry! Policy Pulse will be back in your inbox starting January 2020, keeping you current on what is happening at the Arizona Legislature that impacts healthcare and nursing.
Special Thanks
AzNA wishes to extend a special thank you to the members of the AzNA Public Policy Committee for their hard work and dedication. AzNA runs on the power of our volunteers.
Want to get involved? Fill out a Volunteer Interest Form!
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What Else Should Nurses Know?
During the 135 day legislative session, AzNA's staff, volunteers, and lobbyists were hard at work tracking the bills affecting nurses, nursing, health care, and the health of Arizonans. These bills are still available in the Nurses List of Bills on the AzNA website.
Each week during the Legislative Session, the Policy Pulse email you are currently reading included updates to help summarize some key bills moving through the legislature.
If you have questions about a specific bill, contact info@aznurse.org. We will triage your question to the appropriate person.
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Posted By Wendy Knefelkamp,
Wednesday, May 29, 2019
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AzNA tracks bills based on our Public Policy Agenda focused on the health of all Arizonans along with the professional practice and work environment of our Arizona nurses.
May 28, 2019
Crossing the Finish Line
The Legislature wrapped up the session "sine die" at 12:58 AM Tuesday after approving an $11.8 billion budget.
Keeping Things Spicy
The last two weeks were very contentious as two Senators, Heather Carter (R-Cave Creek) and Paul Boyer (R-Phoenix), held out on voting for the budget.
They wanted Boyer's bill to pass, which helps survivors of childhood sexual abuse sue their abusers. Action on the budget was delayed as legislators battled one another both publicly and privately.
In the end, a compromise was reached. Legislators then met throughout the holiday weekend and the budget was passed in the wee hours of Tuesday morning.
What's In the Budget for Nurses?
A big sigh of relief - Kid's Care was funded, an AzNA priority. $1.6 million is designated to eliminate a freeze on the KidsCare program, which provides health care coverage to children in low-income families.
Not All Great News
The $50,000 needed to fund the workforce database was not included in the budget. That's ok for now. The project will proceed as DHS has to write rules, which will take about a year. Additionally, DHS has indicated there may be some other funding available in their own fiscal structure to begin the project.
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Posted By Wendy Knefelkamp,
Thursday, May 9, 2019
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May 8, 2019
Show Me The Money
Although there has not been much action at the Legislature in the past two weeks, any remaining bills are slowly being addressed while legislators start to negotiate a budget.
The bills that include money (appropriations) have been set aside and are considered in the budget negotiations. The Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC) leads the negotiations. The budget process is expected to take longer than usual this year because of the revenue surplus.
Outcome Shaky - Teetering on the Fence
SB1096; health professionals data; repository, was one of the remaining bills whose future was unstable. That’s when AzNA's lobbyists (Rory Hays and Kathy Busby) got to work, visiting legislators that were on the fence.
The House majority leader, Rep. Warren Petersen, introduced an amendment to expand the behavioral health workforce (something desperately needed). This amendment was good enough to get the bill passed by unanimous vote through the House. Because of the new House amendment, the bill was sent back to the Senate who also voted unanimously to approve - and viola! SB1096 is now on the Governor’s desk to sign. The fence is still a bit shaky, but AzNA has good reason to believe that the Governor will sign.
That Seems Positive. Why The Concerned Face?
Here's the last hurdle: there are still some financial concerns because the money to support the database ($50,000) was stripped off the bill to allow it to move out of House Rules. That money still needs to be allocated somewhere in the budget. AzNA is optimistic this will happen; after all, $50,000 in a $144.2 Billon budget is a “drop in the bucket”! Hoping to come out on the right side of the fence.
Vaccine Bills: It’s Not Over 'Til It’s Over
The vaccine bills (HB 2470, 2471 and 2472) have been stalled in the house since February and have had no chance passing in their current form. However, with the shifting focus due to increased cases of measles across the nation, anything is possible. Legislators have until the close of the legislative session to change their minds. AzNA will keep you updated.
Should I Be Worried About Measles?
Arizona has avoided an outbreak so far, but according to Dr. Cara Christ, Director for the Arizona Department of Health Services, “Increased use of immunization exemptions [has] put Arizona at-risk for outbreak in 2019.”
Should I Get a Booster?
Maybe. Some adults born before 1989 may need to consider going back for an extra booster.
Sour Lemons
What an experience for a Gilbert, AZ high school student this legislative session as the Arizona Senate failed to move the lemonade bill forward. Garret Glover realized that unlike other states, Arizona did not have a “state drink.” He met with his elected official, Representative Warren Petersen and on February 13, 2019, HB2692; state drink; lemonade, was introduced by Rep. Petersen and sailed through the Arizona House with a 57-3 vote.
Unfortunately, the bill died when the Arizona Senate voted 18-12 against the bill. Comments from senators voting 'no' varied. AzNA hopes this brave teenager doesn’t sour from his experience.
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Posted By Debby Wood,
Tuesday, April 23, 2019
Updated: Friday, May 10, 2019
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AzNA tracks bills based on our Public Policy Agenda focused on the health of all Arizonans along with the professional practice and work environment of our Arizona nurses.
April 23, 2019
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
On April 16th Governor Ducey signed HB2068, the clinical nurse specialists; prescribing authority bill.
One giant step for Arizona nurses
The passage of this bill ends a 4-year journey to full practice authority (FPA) for our four APRN groups. Arizona like every state in the nation is working towards the APRN Consensus Model. In 2016 our legislative efforts failed, a “hard pill to swallow.” In 2017 we adjusted messages and strategies and were successful in passing FPA legislation for NPs, CNMs and CRNAs. Because the role of the CNS was not clear among legislators and even nurses, it took AzNA and our partners two additional years to secure prescriptive authority for CNSs.
Thank you’s all around!
Hundreds of advocacy hours were clocked by our Arizona nurses as well as national consultants. E-mails sent to legislators, face to face visits with legislators and stakeholder meetings all contributed to our success. A special shout out to Denice Gibson, AZNA’s Governmental Affairs Officer (and CNS), Kathy Busby, AzNA Lobbyist as well as our Executive Director, Robin Schaeffer for their tireless dedication and expertise to get the bill passed.
When can CNSs start prescribing?
The legislation, pursuant to law, will become effective 90 days after the close of the legislative session. We don't know the exact day as we don't know when the session will end at this point. Our “best guess” is mid to late August. The Board of Nursing is working to implement the legislation including determining educational requirements to comply with the legislation and guidance to CNS's who wish to apply for prescriptive authority. We will continue to inform our members as these issues are discussed and resolved.
HANDS-FREE ARIZONA!
HB 2318 the bill that would ban texting and driving statewide was signed by Governor Ducey on Monday, April 22nd. The law prohibits the following while driving; holding or supporting a wireless device, writing or reading any text-based communication or watching, recording or broadcasting videos. Arizona joins 47 other U.S. states that prohibit texting and driving.
So, when does this law take effect?
The law takes effect immediately, however, penalties will not begin until January 2021. Access this one-page information sheet to educate yourself and then start educating everyone around you.
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Posted By Debby Wood,
Tuesday, April 16, 2019
Updated: Friday, May 10, 2019
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AzNA tracks bills based on our Public Policy Agenda focused on the health of all Arizonans along with the professional practice and work environment of our Arizona nurses.
April 16, 2019
1-2-3-4
As we head towards the home stretch of the 2019 legislative session, bills now fall into one of four categories:
1. Signed or waiting to be signed by Governor
2. In last steps of approval or non-approval by legislators
3. Dead bills
4. Bills that have money (appropriations) attached and are part of future budget conversations this session
Pop The Cork!
HB2068, clinical nurse specialist; prescribing authority, moved through the Senate unanimously last week and was then sent back to the House for a final vote, which was also unanimous. The Governor just signed the bill late yesterday afternoon. Pour out the champagne!
I Say Data, You Say Base!
SB1096, health professionals data; repository; appropriation, has started to move again. As discussed last week, the $50,000 appropriation was stripped out of the bill to ensure the House Rules Chair would hear the bill. It passed Rules Monday and was discussed in both Caucuses yesterday (Tuesday).
Nice! Where to Next?
AzNA anticipates it moving through the House, with an amendment crafted to address last minute concerns, before proceeding back to the Senate for final vote. Don't forget to write your Representative for a Yes vote!
....And the Money?
The money to fund the database will be worked on in the budget later this legislative session or even next year; the money isn't needed until rules are developed by the Department of Health Services and that will take about a year.
Plumbers, Barbers, and.... Nurses?
On April 10, 2019, Gov. Doug Ducey signed HB2569, establishing reciprocity for occupational and professional license or certificate holders who come to Arizona from out-of-state. In a press release, Ducey celebrated the law as the first of its kind in the nation and mentioned nursing among the occupations in this quote:
“There’s dignity in all work,” said Governor Ducey. “And we know that whether you make your living as a plumber, a barber, a nurse or anything else, you don’t lose your skills simply because you moved here. The bill we signed today protects public health and safety while eliminating unnecessary and costly red tape.”
Remind Me How This Law Impacts Me as a Nurse
It doesn't. In an interview, Robin Schaeffer, Executive Director of AzNA, clarifies what the bill means for nurses in Arizona. "Here’s how it applies to nursing: It really doesn’t change much for us. The new law has a list of exemptions and an interstate compact is one of those exemptions. Arizona is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact, an interstate agreement to recognize each other’s licensees...We’re supportive of the bill the governor signed; however, it doesn’t really change much for the nursing profession."
Get Those Legislative Skills Sharpened
Managing constant change in health care takes more than just hard work. It takes a solid understanding the legislative process and knowledge about intricacies of the health care system. That’s where State of Reform comes in. AzNA ED, Robin Schaeffer, will be participating in a panel during the first annual Arizona State of the Reform Health Policy Conference - AzNA members who wish to attend the conference can receive a 20% registration discount using the promo code AZNURSE during registration!
National Legislation for Cadet Nurses
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ANA is pleased to support bipartisan, bicameral (both houses) legislation to honor Cadet Nurses who served during World War II by distinguishing them as honorary veterans, as well as providing them with burial privileges. U.S. Reps. Cheri Bustos (D-IL), Greg Gianforte (R-MT), Cindy Axne (D-IA) and Troy Balderson (R-OH) introduced the legislation on April 3, close to the birthday of former Rep. Frances Bolton (R-OH), who founded the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps and was born on March 29, 1885. U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Susan Collins (R-ME), Angus King (I-ME), and Steve Daines (R-MO) re-introduced the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition Act in the Senate.
"The Cadet Nurses answered the call of duty to fill a critical need during World War II," said ANA President Ernest J. Grant, PhD, RN, FAAN. "We are proud to support this bill to acknowledge and recognize these women for their selfless service to their country."
The U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps was established in 1943 during World War II to address nursing shortages. Former Cadet Nurses have been longtime advocates for being granted honorary veteran status – which this specific bill does. This legislation has garnered the support of organizations, including the American Nurses Association (ANA), the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the American Organization of Nurse Leaders.
You can encourage your members of Congress to pass this bill. Send your letter of support now.
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