ANA President: Victory for advocates of meaningful health care reform

The American Nurses Association (ANA), the largest multi-purpose nursing organization in the country, applauds Senate lawmakers for passing H.R. 3590, "The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act." This landmark legislation was approved by a vote of 60-39. ANA had urged passage of the legislation and its most recent letter of support, one of several sent to members of Congress, was read on the Senate floor by Majority Whip Dick J. Durbin (D-IL). ANA has been a tireless advocate for health care reform which creates a system that is responsive to the needs of consumers, provides access to safe, high-quality cost-effective care for all, and recognizes the vital role played by nurses.

"This is a victory for advocates of meaningful health care reform," commented ANA President Rebecca M. Patton, MSN, RN, CNOR. "We are poised to see the most significant piece of legislation passed in a generation; legislation that ensures millions of Americans receive coverage, strengthens the nation's preventive and wellness care, and addresses critical shortages in the health care workforce. As the voice for the nation's largest group of health care providers ANA will continue to play a part in the ongoing reform efforts to benefit the nursing profession and the patients we serve."