Bipartisan Bill Introduced to Increase Access to Nurses and Improve Quality of Care

Strategic Insights -

Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (R-VA) and her colleagues have introduced the Improving Care and Access to Nurses (I CAN) Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at increasing healthcare access, improving quality of care, and lowering costs by removing barriers to Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) practicing to the full extent of their education and clinical training. The bill has gained support from various organizations and professional groups, including the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM), and the American Nurses Association (ANA).

Key Takeaways:

  • The I CAN Act would remove remaining barriers in the Medicare and Medicaid programs that prevent APRNs from practicing to the full extent of their education and clinical training.
  • The bill would ensure that Medicare and Medicaid patients living in states where nurses have already been granted full practice authority are permitted to choose to seek care from a nurse practitioner.
  • The legislation would improve care for millions of Americans by updating the Medicare and Medicaid programs and enabling APRNs to practice to the top of their education and clinical training.
  • APRNs are qualified to provide primary, acute, chronic, and specialty care to patients of all ages and backgrounds, and in all settings.
  • Over 40 years of research has verified the safety, quality, satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness of APRN care.
  • The bill has received support from multiple organizations, including the AANP, ACNM, ANA, and the Hospice & Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA).

Statistics:

  • Over 40 years of research has verified the safety, quality, satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness of APRN care.
  • APRNs are qualified to provide primary, acute, chronic, and specialty care to patients of all ages and backgrounds, and in all settings.
  • The National Academy of Sciences has called for the removal of laws, regulations, and policies that prevent APRNs from providing the full scope of health care services they are educated and trained to provide.
  • The I CAN Act would remove remaining barriers in the Medicare and Medicaid programs that prevent APRNs from practicing to the full extent of their education and clinical training.

Sources:

  • Rep. Jen Kiggans (VA-02), Press Release, "Kiggans Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Increase Access to Nurses"
  • National Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), Press Release, "AANP Applauds Introduction of I CAN Act"
  • American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM), Press Release, "ACNM Statement on the Introduction of the Improving Care and Access to Nurses (I-CAN) Act"
  • American Nurses Association (ANA), Press Release, "ANA Supports Introduction of I CAN Act"
  • Hospice & Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA), Press Release, "HPNA Commends Reps. Joyce, Bonamici, Kiggans, and Underwood on Reintroducing the Improving Care and Access to Nurses (ICAN) Act"