3/28/03
ANA has learned that an unacceptable smallpox vaccination compensation bill will be voted on in the House of Representatives this coming Monday, March 31. It is imperative that you contact your House Member to urge him/her to vote against this bill. Calls should be made now - the vote may occur as early as 2pm Eastern on Monday.

3/27/03
On Feb. 27, ANA presented testimony to the Federal Trade Commission regarding market conditions that affect health care delivery, specifically impediments to the full integration of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) into the health care delivery system. Examples discussed included:

• addition to medical practice acts to discipline physicians for failure to properly supervise APRNs;
• use of payment codes based on a medical model of care which create an unfair disadvantage for any non-physician practitioner;
• hesitation by health insurers and managed care providers about placing nurses on provider panels;
• refusal by physicians to collaborate, thus driving nurse practitioners out of clinics;
• mandated inclusion of nurses on physician insurance policies/insurance surcharges thereby driving up the cost of NP insurance inconsistent with the practice risks.

3/25/03
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that scientists at the University of Hong Kong have isolated a virus as the causative agent for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Canadian researchers released findings suggesting that the metapneumovirus, a member of the Paramyxoviridae family, is responsible for SARS, though conclusive determinations have yet to be made. Work on determining a diagnostic test that can be used clinically is currently underway.

SARS is characterized by influenza-like symptoms such as fever, myalgias, headache, sore throat, dry cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing. Some cases have resulted in hypoxia, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress, and death. Transmission is believed to occur by exposure to large droplet aerosols through close, direct contact with persons suffering from SARS.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has continued its investigation of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak internationally. To date, 37 suspected cases in the US are currently being investigated and 386 (reported suspected and probable) cases world-wide, including 11 deaths, have been documented. Most of the cases have been reported in Hong Kong, China, Singapore, and Vietnam. Over the weekend, an interim travel advisory has been issued by the CDC for Hong Kong and the Guangdong Province of China as well as for Hanoi, Vietnam. The threat of global exposure is possible secondary to travel or contact with individuals that have recently traveled to these areas.

Healthcare workers have been identified as cases and remain a primary at-risk group secondary to caring and treating patients with SARS. The use of appropriate infection control measures such as Airborne and Contact Precautions are strongly urged for individuals presenting with the listed symptoms. Clinicians are urged to report suspected cases to their local or state health departments.

3/24/03
ANA is proud to announce a new comprehensive and exciting management and leadership program designed in collaboration with LeaderPoint. These courses will be held in Kansas City, Missouri on: May 13-16 and September 15-18.

3/19/03
An American nurse who has assisted some of the world's most desperate populations is the recipient of the 2003 International Achievement Award bestowed by the International Council of Nurses' Florence Nightingale International Foundation (FNIF). Carol Etherington RN of Nashville, Tennessee, has designed and implemented community based programs for people living in the aftermath of war and natural disaster. In her own country, Etherington has received two distinguished awards from the American Red Cross for her work as a volunteer in U.S. disasters.

3/18/03
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a health alert in response to reports of increasing numbers of cases of an atypical pneumonia that the World Health Organization (WHO) has called Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The CDC has become involved in the investigation of potential outbreaks and has alerted US health authorities at local and state levels. The first cases were reported primarily in Asia - Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. The threat of global exposure, including in the US, is possible secondary to travel or contact with individuals that have recently traveled to these areas. No cases to date have been confirmed in the US, but may be possible.

Early manifestations of SARS include influenza-like symptoms such as fever, myalgias, headache, sore throat, dry cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing. Some cases have resulted in hypoxia, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress, and death. Transmission is believed to occur by exposure to large droplet aerosols through close, direct contact with persons suffering from SARS. Healthcare workers have been identified as cases and remain a primary at-risk group secondary to caring and treating patients with SARS. The use of appropriate infection control measures such as Airborne and Contact Precautions are strongly urged for individuals presenting with the listed symptoms. Clinicians are urged to report suspected cases to their local or state health departments.

ANA participated in a CDC Clinician Communication teleconference yesterday, March 17, 2003 discussing the latest information on this matter. As more information becomes available, the ANA will keep you informed.

3/17/03
Nurses who conduct a National Alcohol Screening Day (NASD) program in their practice can receive CE credit for participation. NASD, held on April 10, 2003, is an education and screening program designed to raise awareness about alcohol's effect on health and the consequences of at-risk drinking. By participating in the NASD primary care program, clinicians receive, at no charge, materials to screen patients for alcohol problems as well as educate patients about alcohol's effect on overall health.

A press release about the program can be viewed at:
www.prescriptionforhealth.org/newsroom/launch.html

ANA is Partner in National Public Health Week,
April 7-13, 2003