Please help: Ask Senator Cleveland to move SB 5222 out of committee

If you live in Senator Cleveland's district, the 49th in the Vancouver area, you can be especially helpful in asking her to move SB 522 for Executive Action to get out of the Health and Long Term Care Committee by Monday.

Other committee members who can urge to move forward are listed below with their phone numbers. 

Here is a sample letter:

Dear Senator Cleveland

         I am a nurse practitioner residing (or working) in your district. I  ask for your support in getting SB 5222 out of the Senate Health and Long Term Care Committee (requiring health carriers to reimburse advanced registered nurse practitioners at the same rate as physicians for the same service.)  This bill is prime sponsored by Senator Randall with 10 cosponsors.  We have yet to be scheduled for executive session and as you know, policy cut off is Monday.

         Currently most advanced registered nurses (ARNPs) are reimbursed by health carriers 15% less than physicians for the same service. This makes it more difficult for ARNP owned practices and practices owned by physicians or health systems who employ ARNPs to remain financially solvent. This fiscal disadvantage has been exacerbated by the COVID pandemic during which many people have missed or skipped care leading to a further reduction in revenue. This is an access to care issue - businesses need to be financially solvent to stay open.

        ARNPs provide high quality health care and preventative services for people across the entire age spectrum in primary and specialty care as well as behavioral health.  Without the over 6000 actively practicing ARNPs in the state, there would be significantly more health professional shortages.  SB 5222 will contribute to a robust ARNP work force to provide critical access to care now and in the future.

         Senator Cleveland please vote SB 5222 out of committee by 2/15. Practices around the state are hurting. This fair reimbursement is needed now more than ever. Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you.

         Sincerely,