FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 18, 2005
CONTACT:
Joan Hurwitz , 301-628-5027
Cindy Price, 301-628-5038
Gov. Schwarzenegger Pulls Back Proposal to
Eliminate Board of Registered Nursing
ANA Calls it a Victory For Nurses And Patients
Silver Spring, MD -The American Nurses Association (ANA) called California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's decision to pull back his proposal to eliminate the Board of Registered Nursing a victory for nurses and patients. The governor withdrew his controversial proposal yesterday.
In January 2005, Gov. Schwarzenegger submitted a reform proposal to the Little Hoover Commission that recommended the elimination of 88 independent regulatory boards and commissions, including the Board of Registered Nursing. Both ANA and its California constituent, ANA/California, submitted expert testimony to the Little Hoover Commission, outlining their strong opposition to the proposal. The Little Hoover Commission is an independent state agency that reviews the operations of state government.
ANA is a federation of 54 constituent member associations, including members in each of the 50 states. It represents the interests of the nation's 2.7 million registered nurses. The regulation of nursing practice was the basis of ANA's creation in 1896, and state nurses associations were founded to promote legislation that standardized nurse education and regulated nursing practice.
"We are pleased the governor heard our concerns," said ANA President Barbara A. Blakeney, MS, RN. "The Board of Registered Nursing plays a vital role in regulating the practice of nursing and, therefore, protecting patients. We will continue to advocate for the board of nursing's independence and for the critical role it plays in protecting patients."
For a copy of ANA's comments to the Little Hoover Commission, go to: Hoover [PDF]
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The American Nurses Association is the only full-service professional organization representing the nation's 2.7 million Registered Nurses (RNs) through its 54 constituent member associations. The ANA advances the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting the economic and general welfare of nurses in the workplace, projecting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and by lobbying the Congress and regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public.