Today, the American Nurses Association (ANA), the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA), the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), and the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) hosted a congressional briefing focused on the Improving Care and Access to Nurses (ICAN) Act (HR 2713/S.2418). 

On Apr 20th 2023, the ICAN Act was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH), Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-IL), and Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-VA) and Sen. Jeff Merkley and Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY). The ICAN Act removes numerous administrative and practice barriers for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). This means nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, nurse-midwives, and clinical nurse specialists would be able to care for their patients enrolled in Medicare at the fullest extent of their education and clinical training.

ANA has long pressed Congress to stand firm in supporting the ICAN Act, particularly to improve access to care for individuals living in underserved communities who are often faced with a shortage of skilled and prepared providers. 

“The ICAN Act will improve care for millions of Americans, particularly those living in rural and underserved areas, by removing superfluous barriers that prevent hundreds of thousands of APRNs across the country from maximizing their ability to meet the needs of their patients," said ANA President Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN. "APRNs serve an essential role for patients who may not have access to critically important medical services. But it’s important to note that not just rural America would benefit. The ICAN Act will improve access to high-quality care from trusted, highly skilled nurses nationwide.”

ANA urges leaders and policymakers to support this essential bill.

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The American Nurses Association (ANA) is the premier organization representing the interests of the nation's more than 5 million registered nurses. ANA advances the profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting a safe and ethical work environment, bolstering the health and wellness of nurses, and advocating on health care issues that affect nurses and the public. ANA is at the forefront of improving the quality of health care for all. For more information, visit www.nursingworld.org.