Dear Members of the American Nurses Association,
Since the new administration took office, we've already seen a whirlwind of executive orders and actions reshaping federal operations, policies, and the workforce. We anticipate many of these changes will have an impact on our nation’s nurses and all individuals.
The American Nurses Association (ANA) has been and continues to be direct talks with Congressional leaders to understand the true effects of these changes and are awaiting further sub-regulatory guidance to ensure we are thoughtful and intentional about our approach.
First, let's talk about the efforts to eliminate DEI. For us it is not just an acronym. It’s about making sure every individual has access to quality healthcare and tapping into all populations to develop a nursing workforce that is representative of the communities served. It's about embracing the differences everybody brings to the table regardless of race, age, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ability, socio-economic status, or even geographic location. Equity means treating everyone fairly, recognizing that everyone does not start from the same place, and we must acknowledge and make necessary adjustments to imbalances for every American.
We will stand in support of policies which guarantee that all individuals are being taken care of, and we continue to lean into our values to safeguard nursing workforce policies which create opportunities for all Americans, including drawing discouraged workers into the labor force and supporting equitable health care access and outcomes for all.
We are deeply concerned about data being taken down from the CDC and other government websites and then restored without transparency regarding the criteria for review and restoration. Another concern for the association are the proposed changes being considered by Congress to Medicaid at the federal level that could dramatically impact eligibility, enrollment, and coverage for the eighty million Americans who depend on Medicaid for their healthcare needs.
Medicaid is particularly important for rural and health desert communities where access to quality healthcare is sparse. In addition, SNAP and WIC benefits provided to mothers, children, pregnant women, and individuals with disabilities is also at risk and directly effects the health of many Americans.
The Code of Ethics and the nursing oath requires nurses to practice nursing with integrity, compassion, and respect. This requires nurses to prioritize patients' health and safety and provide care without judgment regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, socio-economic status, or political party. We are concerned that these orders and actions may have the potential to put Americans’ health at risk and impact the nursing workforce and the care for patients today. We will continue our efforts in addressing harm to every nurse and patient and advance equity, likewise we will continue our efforts to shape and support policies that align with our organization’s priorities.
To that end, we are encouraging you to go to RNaction.org and send a letter to your Congressional representatives. It is important for nurses to share their voice and educate Congressional leaders on the impact of these changes and reforms. In addition, we will also be releasing a public statement which you will all receive under separate cover.
Together, we will continue to advocate for policies that push for quality, affordable, patient centered healthcare for every American and we will focus on real solutions for a stronger and more equitable healthcare system.
Respectfully,
Angela Beddoe
Chief Executive Officer
American Nurses Enterprise
