The Pennsylvania State Nurses Association (PSNA), representing more than 212,000 registered nurses in Pennsylvania, thanks Governor Corbett for bringing nurses to the table as he unveils his HealthyPA initiative. This initiative focuses on providing quality, accessible and affordable health care to the residents of Pennsylvania.

In May 2013, PSNA was a driving force in the passage of SB 5, Community-Based Health Care Programs, paving the way for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to receive grant funding to provide greater access to health care services for underserved citizens. We continue to collaborate with other health care organizations to promote APRNs practicing to the full extent of their education. Through the Pennsylvania Action Coalition, PSNA works to meet the Institute of Medicine’s recommendations set forth by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the AARP to develop and implement long-term sustainable solutions to the health care challenges where nurses are essential partners in providing intraprofessional care. In addition, PSNA advocates for safe staffing legislation (HB 1631), which will focus on patient safety and quality of care. 

“As the HealthyPA Initiative unfolds,” states PSNA CEO Betsy M. Snook, MEd, BSN, RN, “PSNA is committed to supporting provider-neutral language and the inclusion of all registered nurses at decision-making tables. PSNA has long championed that the full contributions of nurses and nursing are essential to the delivery of high-quality, patient-focused care. We thank the Governor for recognizing the value of registered nurses in transforming health care in the Commonwealth.”