Emergency Nurses Association Commends Reauthorization of Emergency Medical Services for Children Program
Federal program focused on improving emergency care for children and adolescents continues
(September 22, 2014) As a vocal advocate for robust pediatric emergency care, the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) commends Congress for passing, and President Obama for signing into law, the Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) Reauthorization Act of 2014. The new law provides up to $20.2 million per year in funding for the EMSC program through 2019. The bill received overwhelming bipartisan support in the House of Representatives and Senate when it was voted on earlier this month.
The EMSC program ensures that the entire spectrum of emergency healthcare services is provided to children and adolescents no matter where in the U.S. they live, attend school or travel. The mission of the program is to reduce child mortality and morbidity caused by severe illness or trauma.
ENA worked closely with bill sponsors Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Rep. Jim Matheson (D-Utah) and Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.) to ensure the legislation passed Congress prior to the expiration of the program on September 30.
The reauthorization of the EMSC program was strongly backed by ENA. In July, ENA was joined by 29 other national nursing organizations in sending a letter to Senators Casey and Hatch endorsing the legislation.
“As emergency nurses, we are continually working to ensure that children have the best possible care when they need it most. The EMSC program helps make this a reality,” said ENA president Deena Brecher, MSN, RN, APN, ACNS-BC, CEN, CPEN. “By providing much-needed funding to all 50 states, EMSC has improved – and will continue to improve – pediatric emergency care in pre-hospital environments and emergency departments. The passage of the EMSC legislation has been one of ENA’s most important priorities this year, and I commend the House and Senate for continuing to support this vital program.”
All 50 states have received EMSC funding, which helps train and educate emergency department staff and EMS providers. In addition, the EMSC program coordinates pediatric emergency research initiatives that can lead to improved patient care. EMSC was established by Congress in 1984 and last reauthorized in 2010. It is the only federal program focused exclusively on improving emergency care for children.
Media Contact:
Marie Grimaldi
Communications & PR Manager, ENA
847.460.4080
mgrimaldi@ena.org
About the Emergency Nurses Association
The Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) is the premier professional nursing association dedicated to defining the future of emergency nursing through advocacy, education, research, innovation, and leadership. Founded in 1970, ENA has proven to be an indispensable resource to the global emergency nursing community. With more than 40,000 members worldwide, ENA advocates for patient safety, develops industry-leading practice standards and guidelines, and guides emergency healthcare public policy. ENA members have expertise in triage, patient care, disaster preparedness, and nearly all aspects of emergency care. Additional information is available at www.ena.org.
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