The Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements is foundational to every registered nurse and advanced practice registered nurse's practice. The American Nurses Association (ANA) is in the process of revising this critical nursing document. As part of this process, the revised document is posted for your review and comment. ANA would encourage you to read the revised document in its entirety before posting your comments. This will help with understanding the flow and how the content is arranged under the nine provisions. You can then post your comments related to the Preface and each provision. The comment period is open until June 6. Access the public comment page here.

People with bipolar disorder report improved functioning on 20 daily living skills after participating in an evidence-based clinical program. The program, Advancing Standards of Care for People with Bipolar Disorder, was spearheaded by the National Council for Behavioral Health (National Council), and supported by Sunovion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at 10 community mental health organizations. With targeted technical assistance from David Lloyd's MTM Services, participating agencies were able to significantly improve communication, social interaction, and coping skills for persons recovering from bipolar disorder. Full Story

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) - Office of Federal Assistance Management (OFAM) - Division of Independent Review is currently seeking volunteers, especially those of diverse background, to sign up to be a part of a pool to serve as a Grant Reviewer for HRSA programs.  HRSA has recently launched a new peer-Reviewer Recruitment Module database on the HRSA website, where those qualified can apply to become reviewers. Click here for more information.

Materials from 2014 National Nurses Week stakeholder meeting are available on HRSA's Nurses Week web page.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reviews how four area schools of nursing are evolving to meet Milwaukee's mental health needs. Full Story

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing launched a new distance education web page, which features each state's/jurisdiction's requirements for out-of-state distance education programs that want to provide either didactic or clinical education in your states/jurisdictions.  Click here to visit the site.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has canceled ICD-10 testing scheduled for late July, reported Health Data Management. In a policy reversal, CMS had previously announced in February that it would offer "end-to-end" ICD-10 testing for a "small sample group of providers" in late July, despite previously declaring that it would not conduct any external testing for providers. However, pressured by industry groups calling for CMS to reconsider its position, the agency capitulated. But, now those plans have been shelved until next year. Full Story

The American Nurses Association (ANA) applauds the introduction of federal legislation in the U.S. Senate that empowers registered nurses (RNs) to drive staffing decisions in hospitals, protect patients and improve the quality of care. Full Story (PDF file)

Senators Roy Blunt (R-MO), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), and Jerry Moran (R-KS) recently introduced legislation to improve behavioral healthcare for veterans and members of the military. The Caring for America's Heroes Act (S. 2276) eliminates the cap on days of inpatient psychiatric treatment for military service members' families and removes some preauthorization requirements. Full Story

On May 1, 2014 the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued the Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities Prospective Payment System (IPF PPS) proposed rule for fiscal year (FY) 2015. The IPF PPS applies to inpatient psychiatric facilities across the United States, including both freestanding psychiatric hospitals and psychiatric units of acute care hospitals or critical access hospitals. The updated rates would generally be effective for discharges occurring on or after October 1, 2014.  In this proposed rule, estimated payments to IPFs are projected to increase by 2.1% compared to FY 2014. Full Story

National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD) has published Reducing the Burden of Mental Illness: The Role of Preventive Activities and Public Health Strategies. Click here to read the report, (PDF file)

The American Psychiatric Nurses Association is Accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the
American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.