Expanding Access to High-Quality Nursing Care
SILVER SPRING, MD – The American Nurses Association (ANA) welcomes the reintroduction of the Improving Care and Access to Nurses (ICAN) Act in both chambers of Congress. This bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), seeks to eliminate outdated barriers that restrict advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) from using their full education and clinical expertise.
The ICAN Act is critical for modernizing Medicare and Medicaid policies. It aims to enable APRNs—such as nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, nurse-midwives, and clinical nurse specialists—to provide essential health services without unnecessary limitations. This bill will broaden patient access to vital services including cardiac rehabilitation, medical nutrition therapy referrals, and hospice eligibility certifications, among others.
According to ANA President Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, the reintroduction of this bill is a significant step in expanding healthcare access nationwide. By removing outdated barriers, it empowers APRNs to provide the care they are trained to give, particularly in rural and underserved communities where they often serve as the primary healthcare providers.
Kennedy highlighted, “Time and again, we have seen that when restrictions are lifted, APRNs deliver essential, high-quality care. The ICAN Act ensures these changes become permanent, allowing every patient to receive the care they need from a trusted provider.”
The ANA supports the ICAN Act alongside a coalition of health care organizations. They commend Senators Merkley and Lummis for their leadership in advancing policies that enhance nursing professionalism and improve patient outcomes.
ANA remains committed to advocating for policies that empower nurses to deliver top-quality care and improve patient outcomes across the country. By supporting the ICAN Act, they aim to achieve their mission of championing nurses and the causes they care about.
About the American Nurses Association
The American Nurses Association is the sole association representing all registered nurses in every specialty and practice setting. The ANA champions improved work environments, education, policy, and strong partnerships to amplify nurses’ voices and impact healthcare.
The ANA’s unwavering dedication to advancing nursing and healthcare is a crucial step toward ensuring that all patients receive the care they deserve. By supporting the ICAN Act and other initiatives, the ANA empowers nurses to use their full potential to enhance patient care and health outcomes.
Conclusion
The reintroduction of the ICAN Act represents a significant opportunity to expand access to high-quality nursing care. By eliminating barriers and enabling APRNs to practice to their fullest capability, this bipartisan legislation promises to improve healthcare outcomes, especially in rural and underserved areas. As the American Nurses Association continues to lead the charge for nursing advancement, the ICAN Act stands as a vital step in ensuring patients receive the care they need from the providers they trust.
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