Hard News: Update on ARNP Ordering for medical equipment for Medicaid patients

Read how YOU can help:  Representatives of ARNPs United met with national leaders from the American Association of Nurse Practioners discussing strategies to mitigate newly implemented rules by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) requiring a physician  order for medical supplies and home care for our Medicaid patients. A coalition of national organizations, including AARP, the American College of Nurse Midwives, the Association of Physician Assistants, Community Health Centers Association and suppliers formed to support federal legislation amending this rule. We need your stories, how the rules impact you, your patients and your employer? What is it costing you and your employer to get the extra coding and documentation into patient charts? Many of you have submitted concerns, your story can carry farther. Attached to this announcement is a sample letter to give your patients to assist them describe how these rules have delayed access to covered services.

ARNPs United and representatives from the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission met with HCA staff and asked them to review our Global Signature Legislation passed in Washington State in 2015 to ameliorate the immediate issue. We will meet with them again for their response.

Send your impact stories and documentation of increased costs through the website for ARNPs United. We will forward them to the national coalition as well as the state and regional stakeholders.