NYSNA Supports Budget Funds for Nursing Education

LATHAM, NY (01/22/2008)(readMedia)-- The New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) today applauded the inclusion of $2 million in the Executive Budget to allow expansion of nursing education programs in the SUNY and CUNY systems.

“More nurses must be brought into the workforce,” said Tina Gerardi, RN, NYSNA chief executive office. “Without assistance, New York’s nursing education programs will continue to turn away applicants while the demand for registered nurses is increasing.” NYSNA plans to advocate for additional funds for SUNY and CUNY nursing programs.

The Nurses Association promised to monitor Gov. Eliot Spitzer’s proposal to adjust the Medicaid reimbursement rate in favor of preventive and primary care. “It’s uncertain whether rate adjustments actually will result in fewer hospital admissions,” Gerardi said. “Lower reimbursements for hospitals often result in staff cutbacks and a drop in the quality of patient care.”

Other budget highlights for nurses and their patients:

• Continuation of a scholarship and loan forgiveness program for RNs seeking higher education in order to teach nursing.

• Expansion of Child Health Plus to provide access to health care for all 400,000 children in New York State who lack insurance.

• $3 million in new state-share Medicaid funding for “nurse-family partnerships,” home visiting programs for at-risk children and pregnant women that have been successful in other states.

• A $1.6-million increase in Medicaid payments for care by nurse practitioners in office-based settings.

With more than 36,000 members, the New York State Nurses Association is the nation's oldest and largest state nurses’ association. NYSNA fosters high standards of nursing education, research, and practice; engages in legislative activity; and provides collective bargaining services to registered nurses. Its mission is to advance the profession of nursing and protect the public's health.

-30-