ANA-NY's 2022 Message during Nurses Week to our State Legislators

While we had hoped to visit you in Albany this year during an in-person lobby day, we understand the need to remain virtual for a bit longer.  The goal of our outreach is to highlight the heroic work done by our members during this crisis, and the challenges ahead.  Nurses are the most trusted profession, and patients know we provide excellent and professional care.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown very clearly the key leadership role that nurses play in the healthcare arena.  There are more than 250,000 registered nurses in New York State and more than 3.4 million registered nurses nationally who are the cornerstone of patient care.  During this global health pandemic, professional nursing has demonstrated to be an indispensable component of safety and quality care of patients.  

New York has been a leader in recognizing the need to strengthen the healthcare workforce.  ANA-NY applauds the State Legislature and the Governor for the investment of $10 billion in the state budget to improve healthcare worker wages, improve hospital conditions, and incentivize healthcare workers to move to New York.  Specifically, the $2 billion in healthcare worker bonuses will have a real and positive impact on our members.  Additionally, the investment of $2 billion in healthcare capital infrastructure and improved lab capacity will help improve healthcare outcomes.  

While we applaud what has been done to date, we know that there is more work to be done.  This work includes:

• Removing unnecessary regulatory barriers to allow all nurses to practice to the fullest extent of their education, experience, and credentials.  Over the past two years, many practice barriers for nurses, including unnecessary supervision requirements, have been waived by executive order.  Thanks to the changes made in this year’s budget, Nurse Practitioners can now practice to the full scope of their training.  

• To that end, it is essential to pass S5435-B, sponsored by Senator Jeremy Cooney and A7268 by Assemblyman Richard Gottfried.  This bill will recognize the scope of practice for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) by creating a license for a CRNA under the New York State Education Department.  This bill will define the scope of practice for a CRNA and follows the model established for Nurse Practitioners in New York.  Our association strongly supports S5435-B and A7268 and urge its swift passage.  

• For far too long, communities of color have been disproportionally suffering as a result of persistent inequities and biases that exist in society.  The pandemic has emphasized more clearly the need for social justice reform that addresses racism and realigns structures to enable the attainment of better health regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, social group, or geography.

• Continuing to fund long-term healthcare initiatives, so that the State is prepared for the next public health crisis.