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Georgia: RN Circulator Legislation was introduced and through the efforts Government Affairs, AORN's contract lobbyist, and grassroots members the 2008 legislative session was used for education. The bill sponsor, Mark Butler, wants to continue efforts in 2009 and to overcome opposition from the hospital associations.

Michigan: At the request of grassroots members and an influential Senate office, an RN Circulator bill was introduced in 2008. Michigan grassroots members, AORN's Contract Lobbyist and Government Affairs are developing strategies for identifying a potential sponsor in the house. MI Lobby Day for grassroots is set for September.

Minnesota: AORN grassroots members continue to prepare for an RN Circulator initiative in 2009. Members are seeking and evaluating potential sponsors and considering bill language; and they are mounting a grassroots development effort to support the campaign.

New York: The RN Circulator bill was enacted in July, 2008. RNFA reimbursement legislation received the attention of the insurance chair but was ultimately withdrawn as compromise language that met AORN's objective could not be reached. AORN's lobbyist is developing recommendations for 2009.

Pennsylvania: The RN Circulator bill, HB 1867 passed the House unanimously on Monday, February 11, 2008, with support from the Ambulatory Surgical Centers & Hospital Association. AORN"s contract lobbyist along with grassroots leadership are poised to move the legislation in to the Senate this fall. RNFA reimbursement has not moved because the committee chairman opposes insurance mandates.

Tennessee: Discussions regarding a regulatory effort to bolster the current TN language regarding the RN circulator (currently CMS language) are taking place between grassroots members, regulatory representatives, coalition partners, and Government Affairs.      

Washington: After a significant delay in the release of the hospital licensing rule revisions, the Department of Health has provided the proposed rules to all interested parties. AORN’s recommended RN circulator language remains in the proposals. ASC licensing rule revisions also includes AORN's recommended RN Circulator language. 

West Virginia: Senate Bill 598 / House Bill 4474 which requires an RN to serve as the circulator during surgical procedures was introduced on Thursday, February 7, 2008.   

RNFA Third Party Reimbursement Bills have been filed in the following states:

Iowa: Grassroots members are planning to re-file an RNFA reimbursement bill for the 2008 legislative session. The Iowa Nursing Association’s Lobby Day will be held on February 21, 2008, with a number of AORN members attending to gauge support for the RNFA initiative.

Pennsylvania: The RNFA reimbursement Senate Bill 506 sponsored by Senator Vance has stalled because of opposition to "insurance mandates" legislation by the insurance commitee chair. AORN"s contract lobbyist is working with grassroots members to try to address the stumbling block.

New York: S 5367, which requires the reimbursement of non-physician licensed assistants at surgery did not pass. To assist New York AORN collected and furnished data on current RNFA reimbursement. RNFA reimbursement legislation received the attention of the insurance chair but was ultimately withdrawn as compromise language that met AORN's objective could not be reached. AORN's lobbyist is developing recommendations for 2009.