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Message from AONL CEO Robyn Begley on CARES Act

AONL CTA Block Robyn AHA AONL

We are grateful to Congress for their rapid efforts to support our nation, especially our nurses, physicians and hospitals during this global pandemic. Passage of this legislation is an important first step to protecting and supporting our health care heroes. 

We are working diligently to get immediate access to protective equipment so our frontline caregivers have the equipment they need. The American Hospital Association (AHA) this week announced its national initiative to secure millions of masks by facilitating private sector partnerships with manufacturers.

As nurse leaders, we know how critical it is to listen and communicate frequently and transparently—leading with confidence, composure and empathy. We know our nurses are anxious and exhausted, physically and emotionally. They are working to care for their patients and to calm their fears while knowing the supply of equipment they need to protect themselves and their patients is dwindling.

Please share these coronavirus updates with them so they know their leadership is working to protect and support them and their families. Thank you your leadership and commitment during this unprecedented time.

Congress Passes CARES Act

The House by voice vote today passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (H.R. 748). The bill, unanimously passed by the Senate Wednesday, is the third large-scale congressional effort in response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. President Trump announced his plans to sign the legislation immediately.

The legislation provides financial relief and resources to individuals, families and businesses particularly hard hit by the COVID-19 public health emergency. It also includes a number of important health care and nursing provisions, advocated by AONL including:

  • Establishing an emergency fund for hospitals and health systems
  • Funding for personal protective equipment
  • Reauthorizing the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs
  • Allowing nurse practitioners and certified nurse specialists to certify Medicare patients for home health services
  • Authorizing the Ready Reserve Corp to respond to COVID-19

See the AHA Special Bulletin and Nursing Community Coalition website for more information on these key provisions.