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Global Signature Authority for APRNs (SB196)ANA-Ohio supports advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and their professional organizations in their efforts to secure global signature authority for Ohio’s APRNs as proposed in SB 196 currently before the 135th Ohio General Assembly. SB 196 would update Ohio’s statutes and match APRNs’ paperwork authority with their current patient care authority. This is known as “global signature authority.” Read the Full Position Statement | ANA-OH's Position on APRN Full Practice AuthorityANA-Ohio supports the efforts of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and their professional organizations to achieve full practice authority in Ohio and elsewhere. As a professional organization for all registered nurses, ANA-Ohio is committed to efforts that improve health care access, affordability, quality, and address the growing health care provider shortage. APRNs, since their inception in 1960, have demonstrated they have the educational preparation and experience required to safely and effectively meet the health care needs of patients and their families, particularly with respect to primary care. Granting APRNs full practice authority in Ohio would greatly expand the reach of health care services, working to reduce health care disparities by ensuring that more Ohioans have access to timely and cost-effective care. |
ANA-Ohio joins the 'No-Cost Period Products Coalition'
Senators Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood) and Stephanie Kunze (R-Dublin) worked together to amend Ohio’s state budget bill (HB 33). Their amendment included a provision that makes menstrual products available and accessible in all Ohio schools that enroll girls from grades 6– 12.
(L to R-County Commissioner Denise Driehaus, Sen. Nickie Antonio, and Sen. Stephanie Kunze)
ANA-Ohio became a member of the No-Cost Period Product coalition that also included the Ohio Chapter of the American College of OB/GYNs, Girl Scout troops, the Junior League of Cleveland, the Hamilton County Commission on Women and Girls, and others. Members of the coalition, Including ANA-Ohio, were invited to the press conference the bill’s legislative supporters and proponents conducted at the statehouse to mark the successful enactment of the proposal.
The bill, as passed, appropriated $2 million in fiscal year 2024 for the installation of feminine hygiene products in school buildings and $3 million for purchasing the products. Hamilton County Commissioner, Denise Driehaus, explained that the cost of these products can be unaffordable for many girls, which results in school absences, embarrassment, and the health risks associated with improper use of menstrual products. Nearly 1 in 5 girls have missed school because they don’t have access to period products.
The period products initiative was also championed by Cincinnati high school student Kinsey Sullivan, who described how awkward girls feel when they have to “slide a pad up their sleeves to walk to the bathroom. Having these products available in public restrooms will improve girls’ mental health and overall confidence,” she said.
The provision becomes effective October 1st with the products becoming more readily available before the upcoming school year ends, predicted Sen. Antonio.