Laws pertaining to third-party reimbursement of RN first assistants - registered nurses

AORN Journal, July, 2001 by Frederick P. Franko

* The bill number. If the action alert concerns proposed legislation, it likely will have a number assigned to it. Notice if the alert asks you to help support or oppose a bill.

* Who, what, and when. Note the action you are being asked to take, who you should contact, and when you should act. Legislation at the state level generally moves much faster than at the federal level. You may be asked to make a telephone call if there is not enough time to write a letter. The bill status will tell you where the bill is in the legislative process and when to communicate with your legislator. The legislator's contact information will be provided.

* Whether to participate. If you decide to act, keep AORN staff members informed. If you call a legislator, let AORN Government Affairs Department staff members know. Call (800) 755-2676 x 289, send a fax to (303) 338-5165, or send an e-mail to ffranko@aorn.org. If you send a personal letter to a legislator, send a copy and any response you receive to AORN Headquarters at 2170 S Parker Rd, Suite 300, Denver, CO 80231, Attn: Government Affairs. This will help gauge how many contacts are made and help Government Affairs Department staff members follow up with appropriate legislators.

Many voices speaking together via letters or telephone calls results in a loud, clear message. Legislative Grassroots Committee members state loud and clear that their actions count.

(Adapted from ICAN (Insurance Industry's Citizen Action Network) Update 7 (July 1999), with permission from the American Council of Life Insurance, Washington, DC)

FREDERICK P. FRANKO STATE LEGISLATIVE COORDINATOR