Vermont Association of Nurse Anesthetists Political Action Page

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Sunday opened with Frank Purcell moderating the presentation. He lead the presentations on the issues now under discussion and needing legislative action. Issues such as Medicare Reimbursement, Funding for CRNA education, Opt-out/Supervision requirements were on the top of the lists. About 1/2 of the attendees were first timers at MYA and they were separated from the "repeat offenders" to learn about the process of discussing the issues with the Legislators or their administrative assistants. Fact and figures were presented on the various issues and their discussion points were highlighted in preparation to Hill visits on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The State's President's luncheon was opened up by Wanda Wilson, AANA President. Each region had their own table and, in round robin fashion. Each in attendance introduced themselves and told where they were from. Also in attendance were the AANA Directors and our lobbyists. One of the issues stressed was the meaning and importance of the Essential Elements. It was pointed out that each member needs to keep the Regional Directors informed of current issues in the various States that may impact our practice. John Hanlon reported on the Jack Neary issue.

The afternoon forum by the State President/State Government Relations Committee Chair saw several members relating issues that their State was involved in such as PR, Practice issues (LA, NV, NH).

The evening was topped off by a bus trip to Mt. Vernon to tour the estate of George Washington followed by dinner on the estate. The speaker was a retired pastry chef that spent 26 years in the white house from Jimmy Carter's administration to the present Bush administration. His chef hat and jacket were auctioned off in a lively auction raising over $6,000 for the CRNA-PAC.

Monday, April 14, 2008

The General Session was opened by Wanda Wilson who recognized an attendance record of over 200 SRNAs followed by recognition of the AANA officers and staff members. She discussed proposed changes in the AANA By-Laws and other important issues such as the recent hepatitis C outbreak and the AANA response and the ongoing meetings she and President-Elect Jackie Rowles are having with CDC regarding patient safety. She and Jackie also met with the ASA regarding their response and took the ASA to task for their statement for patients to "Ask for an Anesthesiologist". At that meeting they discussed the difference between AAs and CRNAs. That discussion resulted in the ASA recognizing that there was a distinct difference between AAs and CRNAs in terms of education and training.

Wanda reported on the new AANA Executive Director, Dr Sandra Gaynor, who is replacing Sandra Tunajek, who is retiring. A new position, Senior Director of Education and Professional Development was formed and Dr. John Preston was names as that Director.

Retiring Fran Johnson, AANA Registrar, was recognized for her 21 years of service. Wanda then closed her report.

Several reports followed Wanda's report and then the Candidates for office gave their campaign speeches.

The break-out sessions came next. Region 1 had a packed room with a huge turn-out by students. I reported on our forming discussions on Opt-Out, the possibility of rural anesthesia rotations for students, our new web site, and the press release that we are writing concerning patient safety. The highlight was the report by John Hanlon on the current legal issue in NH concerning Jack Neary.

The rest of the afternoon was filled with various discussions on the NBCRNA, awards and networking.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Various lectures on various issues. Many CRNAs had their appointments today. Rather a boring day.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Today was fun. Jack Neary joined me in visiting the Hill.

Meetings:

Sen. Patrick Leahy: Met with Chris Saunders and his assistant. This was a very positive meeting. We discussed Medicare cuts, Reimbursement, HR 1932 Equal Educational Funding, Opt-Out, and VACRNA funding. Chris stated that Sen. Leahy is working hard to keep the Medicare funds coming. Sen. Leahy would not support anything that would give one group the benefit over another group in terms of funding and would support HR 1932. He was interested in Opt-out as a means of reimbursement to hospitals under Part A He wanted to know if there were any pending legislation for VACRNA funding or merging their education with the Army's CRNA program. He also wanted to know if there were any CRNAs in White River (I did not know and am to get back to him). He also wanted any information on NH opt-out and wanted to know if VT was obtaining Opt-out. I told him that we are in the formative process. Did not meet directly with Sen. Leahy. Chris and I also had a common link to the Texas Longhorns!!

Sen. Bernie Sanders: Met with Carolyn Dickey, the Senator's Legislative Assistant. We discussed all issues as above. Sen. Sanders then joined us and we hit the highlights of our issues with him. He mentioned that he is working directly with Springfield Hospital on a funding plan. Pictures were taken by his photographer. Carolyn was very interested in our issues and was interested in CRNAs in general. Overall this was a positive meeting with the both of them.

Rep. Peter Welch: This office was very busy with people in and out. Rep. Welch briefly met with Jack and I in the waiting room and we felt very rushed. We hit the highlights with him then met with Connie Dougherty, his Legislative Assistant, at length seated in the waiting room. It was awkward not to be in a private room especially when a group of lawyers on the ABA Board of Governors were able to meet in the conference room. She basically took down all of our information and arguments but did not offer any position statement. This meeting will need follow-up from Frank Percell.

This ends my report. I am now open for questions. I enjoyed representing Vermont and all CRNAs.

Mark Green
VANA President elect