AMA Votes to Support Resolution Opposing Proposed VA Rule

At the 2016 American Medical Association (AMA) Annual Meeting, the association voted in favor of a resolution opposing the proposed Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) rule that would expand the role of all Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), including nurse anesthetists.  Resolution 239 in opposition to VA's proposal, follows AMA's earlier statement in opposition to the rule.

The Resolution in opposition to the proposal states that the policy in the rule is "antithetical to multiple established policies of our AMA and thus should not be implemented." Additionally, the Resolution directs AMA staff to assess feasibility of pursuing federal legislation to prevent the rule, calls upon Congress to disapprove the rule, and outlines that AMA should collaborate with other medical professional organizations to oppose the final adoption of the rule.

During the meeting, Dr. Carolyn Clancy, VA’s Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Quality, Safety and Value, spoke before the AMA reference committee and stated that VA encourages all stakeholders to submit comments.  Dr. Clancy also stated that VA will read all comments submitted during the 60-day public comment period.

ASA applauds AMA for voting in support of preserving the safe, high-quality, physician-led care that Veterans have earned and deserve.

The 60 day comment period for the rule ends July 25, 2016.  ASA encourages patient safety and Veteran’s advocates to submit comments online at www.SafeVACare.org.