From: Clscroggs1 [mailto:clscroggs1@aol.com]
Sent: Wednesday, September 22, 2010 8:52 PM
To: pmyrum@bresnan.net
Subject: government affairs report

Government Affairs Report 9/22/10

The current state of affairs in healthcare reform is easily summarized:

1.     •                Colorado is trying to evaluate and/or pass legislation stating an anesthesiologist in attendance/close proximity is not required for a certified nurse anesthetist to offer anesthesia. The issue focuses on the inability to find anesthesiologists to serve in rural communities. In rural settings the CRNAs offer a great alternative. CRNAs offering anesthesia without an anesthesiologist in attendance places the burden for the outcome of anesthesia, and the performance of the CRNA, on the surgeon performing the procedure. There are safety issues on both sides --not having personnel available to provide anesthesia versus having a surgeon that does not specialize in anesthesia holding the final responsibility. Finances play a large part as well--what the hospital can/cannot bill for when using a CRNA or anesthesiologist. This is an over simplification but gives the essence of the controversy as I understand it.

2.     •                The ANA continues to lobby for legislation and money for nursing education;and finally and most notably

3.     •                Health care reform continues to be centered around the mid-term elections. Health care is just one issue being debated among the parties. Today the Republicans stated there would be a 21-page paper about what they want to do if they assume power in the senate and the house. The main points that  mentioned were torte reform and the 'repeal and replacement' of the healthcare bill proposed and passed 6 months ago by the current administration. 

4.     As mentioned before—the future of healthcare will be highly reflective of the national election outcomes. I am not against the main points proposed by the Republicans and I am grateful the Democrats forced health care reform to become a priority. I do wish, however that the parties would work together. 

I will be available for questions at our meeting.

Thank you

Claudia Scroggs