ONS Partners With Congressman to Reintroduce Legislation

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

The Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) with Representative Steve Israel (D-NY) announced today the unveiling of his legislation, HR 3790, “The Improving Cancer Treatment Education Act of 2012.” The announcement was made at a special event at Huntington Hospital in Long Island, NY.

This legislation will provide for Medicare reimbursement for the time of registered nurses to educate people diagnosed with cancer, and their caregivers, about their treatment plans. Representative Israel has been a strong supporter of both nursing and cancer-related legislation.

“Cancer treatment involves a team of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals,” said Representative Israel. “Having a nurse explain treatment plans and provide resources to cancer patients between the time they are diagnosed and when they begin treatment can significantly improve their health and well being. My legislation will help oncology nurses arm Medicare recipients fighting cancer with all the information and resources they need to combat this disease and navigate their treatment.” 

“The education that is provided to the cancer patient from the oncology nurse has proven to have positive long term outcomes,” said Colleen O’Brien, RN, CBCN, CBPN-IC, president of the Long Island/Queens Chapter of ONS. “This bill recognizes a patient’s right to have this education provided to them and validates the important role of the oncology nurse in providing this information.”

ONS is a professional organization of more than 35,000 registered nurses and other healthcare professionals committed to excellence in oncology nursing and to leading the transformation of cancer care by initiating and actively supporting educational, legislative, and public-awareness efforts to improve the care of people with cancer. ONS provides nurses and healthcare professionals with access to the highest quality educational programs, cancer-care resources, research opportunities, and networks for peer support. Learn more at www.ons.org.

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