Joint Statement on Advancing Medicare Payment Reforms

Silver Spring, MD  — The undersigned national nursing organizations, representing the interests of more than 5 million registered nurses and advanced practice registered nurses in the United States, recognize the importance of advancing meaningful reforms to Medicare’s payment system that strengthen patient care and support the health care workforce. We appreciate the introduction of the Patients First Act and its focus on strengthening primary care, supporting the transition to value-based care models, and addressing longstanding challenges within Medicare’s payment system.

We believe this is an important first step and appreciate the inclusion of nursing organizations in development of this legislation. We look forward to continuing to work with the sponsors and other stakeholders to further improve the legislation and build on the advances it makes to ensure longstanding, meaningful, and patient-centric reforms that reflect the realities of today’s health care system and appropriately recognize the vital contributions of all healthcare providers.

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American Nurses Association

American Association of Nurse Practitioners

Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association

National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists

National Association for Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health

National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners

National League for Nursing