Last month, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded millions of dollars in funds under the Affordable Care Act to support primary and mental health care in community settings.
Although Congress is in recess and many in Washington are on vacation, there is still work being down within the Federal Agencies pertaining to health care reform. A number of announcements regarding the Affordable Care Act were released this summer, and ANA wants to get you up to speed!
The Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development programs, which are administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), are the primary source of federal funding for nursing education and workforce development. These programs bolster nursing education at all levels, from entry-level preparation through the development of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). They also prepare faculty to teach the nation’s future nursing workforce.
Nurses may be interested to know about recent final rules which may directly impact the practice of nursing, patient care and access, and health care policy at the federal level. Executive agencies and departments are required to publish notices of all rules and decisions in the Federal Register, and accept public comments on proposed rules. Final rules are not open for comment, and become part of U.S. law in the Code of Federal Regulations.
With Congress mired indefinitely in political conflict over possible repeal of the Affordable Care Act, federal departments and agencies – as well as the states – are proceeding to carry out ACA’s blueprint for health reform according to schedule, as required by law. New regulatory rules, appointments, and programs are announced every day. Many of these will significantly impact patient care and access to health benefits – and thus nursing care and policy.
In honor of National Nurses Week, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius issued an official statement recognizing the contributions nurses make toward the health of the nation.
