American Nurses Association Testifies Before Congress On Health Insurance Reform, Calls For Action Now

Main Category: Health Insurance / Medical Insurance
Article Date: 16 Sep 2009 - 15:00 PDT

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The American Nurses Association (ANA) testified on Capitol Hill today to advocate for health care reform that would ensure that patients have ready access to affordable, quality health care services, and express its strong support for the many measures outlined within H.R. 3200 that will reform the insurance industry to protect all individuals and families. ANA Board Member Mary Maryland, PhD, MSN, APN, BC, and a nurse practitioner, testified on behalf of ANA before the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee hearing, "The Urgent Need for Health Insurance Reform."

Representatives from the American Medical Association (AMA), the American Hospital Association (AHA) and AARP also testified before the committee. Testimony was also provided by Wendell Potter, a former health insurance company executive turned whistle-blower who is now speaking out regarding the health insurance industry's harmful practices.

During her remarks, Dr. Maryland emphasized that bold action is needed from lawmakers to create a health care system that is responsive to the needs of consumers and provides equal access to safe, high-quality care for all in a cost-effective manner. "The U.S. health system remains in a state of crisis and stands as evidence of the futility of patchwork approaches to health care reform," Dr. Maryland said. "The overwhelming problems of the health insurance system require significant action - now."

In addition to her leadership role at ANA, Dr. Maryland is a board certified adult nurse practitioner and a member of the Department of Nursing Faculty at Malcolm X College, one of the City Colleges of Chicago, and has had a diverse nursing career as a staff nurse, funded researcher, consultant and educator. To read Dr. Maryland's complete testimony, visit here.

Source
ANA

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