FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE/February 10, 1997 CONTACT: Sara Foer [202/651-7023] ANA Praises President Clinton's Medicaid Directive on "Gag" ClausesThe American Nurses Association (ANA) praised President Clinton for his action today to clarify the prohibition on "gag" rules for health plans providing services to Medicaid beneficiaries. According to Clinton, "gag clauses" -- rules under which health care providers are restricted from informing their patients about treatment options not covered by their health insurance plans -- are strictly prohibited. "The American Nurses Association has always been a proponent of open communication between patients and health care providers," said ANA President Beverly L. Malone, PhD, RN, FAAN. "We are particularly pleased about this initiative on the part of the president because it prohibits gag rules for all health care providers, especially nurses who oftentimes have the most regular contact with patients." Building on his 1996 efforts to protect Medicare beneficiaries from gag clauses, the president's action will aid in ensuring open communication between Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries and all health care providers -- nurses, physicians, and other providers. "Nursing's fundamental belief is that all patients must have access to full and accurate information in order to make informed choices about their care," said Malone. "We applaud the president's action to increase access to care and his understanding that nurses are qualified to provide frontline health care."
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