Legislative / Past Reports

National Psoriasis Capitol Hill Day
Posted 01/17/2008

Are Your Patients Frustrated with Psoriasis? Ask them to join the Fair Shake Campaign!

On March 2 and 3, 2008, volunteers from across the country will travel to Washington, D.C., for the National Psoriasis Foundation’s fifth annual Capitol Hill Day, where we will ask members of Congress to join the campaign to give psoriasis a Fair Shake.
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OSHA Issues Pandemic Flu Guidance for Health Care Workers
Posted 07/10/2007

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) on May 21 released its guidance document on pandemic influenza preparedness for the health care industry. Entitled Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Guidance for Healthcare Workers and Healthcare Employers, the document includes technical information on infection control and industrial hygiene practices intended to reduce the risk of infection in health care settings.
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Flu Pandemic Forum Highlights Wide Range of Planning Issues
Posted 07/10/2007

At a recent forum convened by the public health advocacy group Trust for America's Health (TFAH), panelists addressed the looming threat of a flu pandemic and how best to prepare the Nation. The panel, which included journalists, policy experts, politicians, federal and state health agency officials, and business leaders, came up with more questions than answers, but the group did reach some conclusions.
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ANSR Alliance Releases Consensus Document
Posted 07/09/2007

At a May reception for members of Congress and their legislative assistants, the ANSR (Americans for Nursing Shortage Relief) Alliance released its Consensus Document entitled, Assuring Quality Health Care for the United States: Building and Sustaining an Infrastructure of Qualified Nurses for the Nation.
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History Made in Advocacy for Psoriasis
Posted 02/19/2007

The first-ever psoriasis legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Reps. David Wu (D-Oregon) and Jim Gerlach (R-PA). This is ground breaking legislation which, if passed, calls on the federal government to expand psoriasis research conducted by the National Institutes of Health.
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Responding to iPLEDGE
Posted 11/25/2006

What are your experiences with iPLEDGE? A recent change to the program eliminated a controversial lockout period for males and females of non-childbearing potential. This change is viewed as an improvement; however there are some articles of interest that nurses should read regarding how dermatologists feel about iPLEDGE.
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iPLEDGE Updates: Reactivation and Changes to Lock-Out Period
Posted 10/19/2006

As one of the requirements of the iPLEDGE risk management program, all prescribers and pharmacies must “re-activate” annually to remain in the program and be eligible to continue to prescribe and dispense isotretinoin. We encourage that you “re-activate” well in advance of your deadline so as not to delay drug shipments and/or authorization within the system. iPLEDGE has also recently sent out a letter to healthcare providers announcing that the 23 day lock-out period has been eliminated for males and females of non-childbearing potential.
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Public Policy Institute for Health Professionals
Posted 10/16/2006

On March 5-9, 2007, in Washington, DC, the American College of Nurse Practitioners (ACNP) will present a Public Policy Institute for Health Professionals. If you are interested in becoming involved in the future of nursing policies, take advantage of this opportunity to network and discuss health care policy, legislation, and practice issues that are critical to advancing Nurse Manager and APN roles while meeting with a multidisciplinary group of health professionals.
Visit the ACNP Web Site for More Information

Update on HB 699
Posted 07/18/2006

To the dismay of many of our NP members living in Florida, HB 699, a bill that limits the care by NPs with special restrictions relating to dermatology, was signed on June 22, 2006 by Florida governor, Jeb Bush.