1. Assure insurance reform that:

• prohibits insurance denial based on pre-existing conditions;
• abides by yearly caps on how much they can charge for out-of-pocket expenses;
• provides for preventive care services;
• prohibits dropping or watering down insurance coverage for those who become seriously ill;
• ends gender discrimination;
• ends annual or lifetime caps on coverage;
• extends coverage for young adults through the age of 26;
• guarantees insurance renewal as long as the policyholder pays their premium in full

Recent information released by the Kansas Health Institute indicates an increase in the number of children who are uninsured, a variance from national statistics. The Kansas Health Policy Authority estimates there are more than 330,000 Kansans who lack insurance. If a public plan is not a viable option, some other method of insuring these individuals needs to be designed.

2. Recognize the Importance of Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners (Kansas title). Surveys have shown that the number of primary care physicians who are willing to practice in rural areas remains low, including Kansas. ARNPs are fundamental to ensuring access to primary care. The ability of APRNs to provide high quality, cost-effective care has been widely recognized by patients and the health care community and is supported by significant research and critical analysis. Medicare has covered CNM services since 1988, but reimbursement has been limited to 65% of the amount afforded to other providers. KSNA supports the current House Bill which increases reimbursement to 100% for Nurse Midwives, and recognizes Nurse Practitioners as leaders of Medical Home Coordinated Care models.

3. Provides Funding for Increased Nursing Workforce. The nursing shortage will continue to worsen if significant investments are not made. KSNA asks for continued support of legislation in the House bill that supports improvement on the current Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs and illuminates the role of nurses with the inclusion of a provision which recognizes and defines Nurse Managed Health Centers. The addition of a new funding stream created through the Public Health Investment Fund will also provide a more stable baseline of funding for Title VIII. These programs recruit new nurses into the profession, promote career advancement within nursing, and improve patient care delivery. These programs are also used to direct RNs into areas with the greatest need – including departments of public health, community health centers, and disproportionate share hospitals.

Updated Advanced Education Nursing grants will allow for diversity in the nursing workforce, and updates to the Nurse Loan Repayment and Scholarship Programs (NLRP) to provide loan repayment for students who serve a period of time as a faculty member will help alleviate the critical nurse faculty need.

A nurse’s daily challenge is to find solutions to problems that patients are facing to meet their healthcare needs and promote health. Kansas nurses believe that healthcare reform is something that should not be a partisan or political issue.