On January 13, 2017, AACN submitted public comments to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regarding its final rule on APRN practice. AACN commends the VA for granting three of the four APRN roles (nurse practitioner, certified nurse-midwife, and clinical nurse specialist) the ability to practice to the full extent of their education and training, but urges the VA to extend this policy change to certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) as well. AACN implores the department to more fully utilize CRNAs so that Veterans can receive timely care to high-quality anesthesia services. Read the full comments here.
AACN's July 22, 2016 Public Comments to the VHA
AACN’s May 25, 2016 Press Release Supporting the VA’s Proposed Rule
Nursing Community’s Comments to the VHA in Support of the Proposed Rule
APRN Workgroup Comments to the VHA in Support of the Proposed Rule
Improving Access to High-Quality Care for Veterans: AACN Supports Full Practice Authority for APRNs in the VA
For over three years, AACN has been collaborating with its colleagues in the APRN community to urge the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to grant full practice authority to Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) serving in the VA. Read more on the proposed rule in the Federal Register.
Veterans Access to Quality Care Alliance Holds Press Conference on VHA Proposed Rule
On June 28, 2016, AACN in collaboration with the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, and the American Nurses Association held a press conference at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. AACN member Jane Kirschling, PhD¸ RN, FAAN, Dean and Professor for the University of Maryland School of Nursing and Director of Interprofessional Education for the university represented the association in its on-going support for the Veterans Health Administration’s proposed rule to allow Veterans direct access to APRN services. Also present and speaking in support of the proposed rule were representatives from the Military Officers Association of America and the Air Force Sergeants Association.