May 14, 2003
For more information, contact:
Bob Kafka (512) 431-4085 cell
Marsha Katz (406) 544-9504 cell

ADAPT Forces Nurses to Keep Promise to Hold Meeting

(Washington, D.C.) Tired of broken promises from the American Nurses Association (ANA), ADAPT surrounded the building housing their headquarters, blocking the doors and garage entrance until the ANA agreed in writing to a meeting between ADAPT and the ANA Board on May 14. ADAPT wants the ANA to endorse the Medicaid Community-based Attendant Services and Supports Act (MiCASSA, S 971/H.R. 2032), legislation that would provide Americans with choice in where they receive their long-term care services.

ADAPT initially approached the ANA because the Nurse Practice Acts in each state have a significant impact on that state's community based personal care attendant services. Each Nurse Practice Act defines which activities typically performed by nursing staff in a hospital setting can be delegated or assigned to personal care attendants in a person's own home. ADAPT wants the ANA and its state members to endorse delegation/assignment of the majority of activities necessary for a person to live in their own home. 

"We've been trying to work with the ANA for about a year," said Linda Anthony, ADAPT Organizer from Pennsylvania. "We want to get an endorsement from the national group and the individual state members for both MiCASSA, and for delegation/assignment amendments to the various state Nurse Practice Acts. Last year the ANA committed to have us present at their annual conference on community services and independent living, and then they just basically blew us off. So we came here today determined not to be blown off again."

Among additional demands presented to the ANA by ADAPT were; assurance that ADAPT would be able to do a presentation on MiCASSA at the next ANA Board meeting; a written endorsement of MiCASSA and a request that state chapters also endorse it; and a firm commitment that ADAPT will present on community services and independent living at the next annual ANA conference.

"I felt like I was in the twilight zone today. I simply can't understand why the ANA would have any problem with people being able to stay in their own homes and communities instead of being forced into institutions," said former nurse Barb Toomer, Utah ADAPT Organizer. "But their disrespect for us today, and their recent broken promises have made me feel almost ashamed to admit to having been a nurse."

ADAPT's successful week in Washington will conclude Wednesday when members visit their Senators and Representatives to recruit additional co-sponsors for S 971 and H.R. 2032, and then meet with the ANA board. "We'll be going home tomorrow," said Scott Heinzman, ADAPT Organizer from Michigan, "but we'll be back in September at the conclusion of our 140 mile Free Our People March. We are committed to making 2003 the year that MiCASSA is passed."

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