Today, National Federation of Nurses (NFN) applauds the Supreme Court’s ruling that upheld the Affordable Care Act.
“This is an historic step toward the goal of universal access to health care for all, as a right not a privilege,” said NFN President Barbara Crane, RN. “Nurses understand firsthand the importance of today’s ruling as front-line health care workers and employees. We celebrate today’s ruling that finally puts America on the right path to establishing an effective and affordable 21st century healthcare system.”
NFN has long been champions of this legislation. Representing NFN and its nurse membership nationwide, President Barbara Crane, RN, stood with President Barrack Obama as he urged lawmakers to quickly pass this law back in 2010. Read NFN’s full position statement as well as the local impact in some of NFN’s member states:
Washington State Nurses Association
As employees in one of the nation’s highest-injury professions, nurses place tremendous value on our own health insurance coverage, and the importance of quality care and access. And, as front-line health providers, nurses see the impact of the country’s failed health care system every single day, from the clinic exam room to the hospital bed to the emergency department.
Recognizing this dual perspective, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) recently issued a report that found nurses are key to the success of a 21st century health care system and need to play a prominent role in developing the policies and procedures that will make reform a reality.
“Nurses have a unique insight into our health care system that can, and should, be useful to national and local policy makers, added Crane. ”Now that we know we can move forward in earnest to implement this law, NFN encourages policy makers to include the perspective of nurses when finalizing local policies and procedures. As always, nurses stand ready to do what is right for our patients and for America’s health.”