Catch up on the latest health policy news and legislative updates. AORN Supports Public Reporting of Nurse Staffing Measures This week AORN commented to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in support of its recent proposal to include nurse staffing measures in the Medicare-led hospital inpatient quality reporting (IQR) program. Smoke Evacuation Legislation Passes RI Senate AORN worked with stakeholders to amend the legislation, thus allowing the companion bills to move forward in each chamber. AORN Guideline for Surgical Attire There is a common belief that AORN has urged the elimination of surgeon’s skull caps and mandated the use of bouffant caps. This misrepresentation continues to be perpetuated in recently published studies, expert opinion pieces, and media reports. Thus, AORN wishes to correct this misinformation. California Patient Safety Bills Moving Bills regarding surgical smoke evacuation and antimicrobial reporting requirements are making their way through the California legislature. Use Time Out Day to Start a Conversation While Time Out Day is often recognized within facilities, it is also important to use it as a way to start a dialogue with your community and legislators about patient safety and the role of the perioperative nurse. Smoke Evacuation Legislation Heard in Committee The Rhode Island Senate Health and Human Services Committee heard testimony on a bill regarding the need for surgical smoke evacuation policies. VT RN Circulator Bill Heard in Committee AORN Member and AORN Government Affairs Manager testify in support of RN Circulator legislation in Vermont. States Consider Surgical Tech Legislation A handful of states consider different types of regulation of surgical technologists – from title protection to certification requirements. Arkansas RN Circulator Bill Fails A bill intended to strengthen Arkansas’ code which currently states circulating nurses must be an RN, failed to pass the House Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee. Arkansas Attempts to Improve RN Circulator Code In an effort to strengthen Arkansas’ code which currently states circulating nurses must be an RN, Rep. Hammer introduces a bill clarifying the RN Circulator must be present for the duration of the procedure. Central Service Certification Bill Reintroduced A Massachusetts’ bill outlining certification and continuing education for central service technicians was introduced for a second time. ST Certification Bill Passes NC House Legislation requiring certification of surgical techs in 2018 passes North Carolina House. It now moves to the Senate for consideration. RN Circulator Legislation Passes Senate After AORN worked with stakeholders on an amendment, Vermont’s RN Circulator bill moved to the Senate floor with a favorable recommendation. RI Introduces Smoke Evacuation Bill AORN works with RISNA to introduce legislation to require facilities to adopt policies requiring the evacuation of surgical smoke. AORN testifies in support of legislation. AORN is Your Voice at State Capitols and in D.C. With the inauguration and the weekend marches close on our heels, remember AORN is here to support you and your patients as we face what are sure to be busy and volatile legislative sessions this year. We expect a high level of activity in health policy at both the federal and state levels in 2017, activity that will impact the perioperative profession. What’s Ahead for AORN’s Policy Agenda in 2017? A lot. AORN is poised to make sure the perioperative voice is heard at the state and federal levels in what’s sure to be a lively legislative year. It’s Time to Introduce Yourself to Your Legislators Building relationships with your elected officials by offering your expertise and perspective is essential to ensuring patient safety is a priority at your state legislature. Send a quick email to your legislators today! Share
