Legislative Action Center

ONS Symptom Management Education Legislation Introduced in 113th Congress

ONS is proud to announce the re-introduction of its signature legislation (H.R. 1661), “Improving Cancer Treatment Education Act of 2013”, being co-sponsored by US House Representatives Steve Israel (D-NY) and Pat Tiberi (R-OH). This important bi-partisan bill seeks to provide cancer treatment education sessions by a registered nurse to a patient and caregiver. The goal is to educate the patient about all aspects to be provided to the individual; inform the patient regarding any potential symptoms, side-effects, or adverse events; explain ways in which side effects and adverse events can be minimized and health and well-being maximized; and offer clear guidance regarding when the patient and/or caregiver should contact the health care provider with respect to a particular side effect or symptom and when to seek urgent or emergency care.

IOM Future of Nursing Report

Download the Institute of Medicine Report on the Future of Nursing at Future of Nursing™ Campaign for Action.

Read the summary of what ONS is currently doing or has done that addresses the IOM Future of Nursing report.


ONS Interview with Mary Wakefield, HRSA Administrator and Nurse

ONS recently had the opportunity to interview Mary Wakefield, HRSA Administrator and nurse, about her path to becoming the Health Resources and Services Administrator, why her nursing background is essential to the position, and what her thoughts are for the future of nursing.



HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on National Nurses Week

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) acknowledges National Nurses Week, with an announcement from Secretary Sebelius saying, “National Nurses Week gives us a chance to recognize the contribution of the health care providers at the heart of our health care system. Every day, nurses provide leadership, innovation and advocacy to meet the health care needs of Americans.”

Latest News

HRSA Administrator Wakefield, PhD, RN testifies before Congress
Mary Wakefield, PhD, RN, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Administrator, testifies before the United States House Appropriations Labor-HHS-Education Subcommittee HHS Oversight hearing on March 5, 2013. Listen to Dr. Wakefield’s comments (at 47 minutes and 55 seconds).

Bipartisan US Senators Plead with Congress to Confirm Marilyn Tavenner, RN, as CMS Administrator.

If the FDA were to reschedule hydrocodone combinations, access to prescription medications would be limited, making treatments for cancer patients more restrictive.
In a letter to the FDA, a bi-partisan group of US Senators urged the agency to accept the recommendations of its own advisory committee on the rescheduling of drugs containing hydrocodone to help curb the prescription drug abuse epidemic. While the FDA is not legally obligated to follow its advisory committees’ recommendations, it often does accept those findings. Read the Senate press release.

NIH scientists identify molecular link between metabolism and breast cancer
New NCI study on metabolic imbalance, often caused by elevated carbohydrate intake, which can lead to over-activating a molecule called C-terminal binding protein (CtBP), has been found to increase the risk of breast cancer. Treatment and prevention efforts are associated with monitoring this protein.

Bevacizumab significantly improves survival for patients with recurrent and metastatic cervical cancer
It is estimated that more than 12,000 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer this year. Of those, 4000 will die from the disease. A new NCI clinical trial recently released data showing those treated with certain drugs lived 3.7 months longer than those not. These finding may change the treatment practices for those currently with limited options. Read the release here.

Give Your Feedback and Help ONS Update the Health Policy Agenda
Please complete this brief survey from the Health Policy division to assist ONS in prioritizing the public affairs and legislative agenda. You can review the current ONS Health Policy Agenda here. Your answers will help determine which policy issues ONS will continue to advocate for in the coming 113th Congressional Session. Help ONS focus the message to decision-makers, educating leaders on healthcare, nursing, and cancer care.

Answering the call: Alternate-entry nursing student finds her voice as health policy advocate
ONS member Kate Bell, RN, shares her experience in Washington, DC, as an ONS health policy intern working alongside lawmakers and policymakers to help shape health-care legislation. “I saw a need to speak up for nurses and patient-related issues,” Bell said. “I believe I’ve been called to be that voice.”

Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) sends its first monthly e-newsletter out.
In it, the latest information on research, funding opportunities, and workshops are available. Additionally, it’s easy to sign up for the newsletter electronically.

Release of USPSTF Final Recommendation on Screening for Cervical Cancer

Today, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force posted its final recommendation statement on screening for cervical cancer.

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

CMS Offers Insight to Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March. Of cancers that affect both men and women, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and the third most common cancer in men and in women.

FDA’s graphic labeling of tobacco products

On February 29, DC District Judge Richard Leon overturned a lower Court’s decision allowing the FDA’s graphic labeling of tobacco products.

United States Senate Passes a Resolution Recognizing the 40th Anniversary of the National Cancer Act

A resolution recognizing the 40th anniversary of the National Cancer Act of 1971 and the more than 12,000,000 survivors of cancer alive today because of the commitment of the United States to cancer research and advances in cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment.

ONS Congratulates Lt. General Horoho

ONS congratulates Lt. General Horoho on her confirmation as the newest Surgeon General of the US Army.

US Senate Finance Committee Holds Hearing on National Drug Shortage

The US Senate Finance Committee holds hearing on the national drug shortage.

NCI Launches Smoking Cessation Support for Teens

A new effort to help teens quit smoking will use one of today's teen's most constant companions - the mobile phone. Developed by smoking cessation experts, SmokefreeTXT is a free text message cessation service that provides 24/7 encouragement, advice, and tips to teens trying to quit smoking.

President Obama: Great American Smokeout

President Obama: Congratulations to Everyone Taking Part in Today's Great American Smokeout.

NIH Researchers Design Light Therapy

NIH researchers created a light-based therapy that targets and destroys certain tumors and cancers in mice, according to the NCI.

CDC Releases Most Comprehensive Melanoma Report in the US to Date

Melanoma skin cancer has a costly and deadly impact on America. The CDC releases the most comprehensive melanoma report in the United States to date.

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