Dec. 1, 2006 – NYSNA was one of 23 groups that spoke today before the New York State Senate Health Committee on the recommendations included in the report of the Commission on Health Care Facilities in the 21st Century (the "Berger Commission").
Today's session was the only hearing scheduled by the Senate committee, and nearly 200 individuals and groups had requested an opportunity to speak. The committee is accepting written testimony as well.
Shaun Flynn, associate director for government affairs, spoke on behalf of NYSNA. He urged legislators to reject the Commission's recommendations, voicing nurses' concerns about reduced access to care and a worsening of the nursing shortage.
NYSNA members also will speak at hearings before the State Assembly Health Committee scheduled for Dec. 11 in New York City, Syracuse, and Buffalo.
With more than 34,000 members, NYSNA is the oldest and largest state nurses' association in the nation. It is an influential union for RNs, representing nurses in New York and New Jersey. Offering a wide range of services to its members, NYSNA fosters high standards of nursing education and practice and works to advance the profession through legislative activity. It is a constituent of the American Nurses Association and of the United American Nurses, an affiliate of the AFL-CIO.