Health Policy Priorities and Agenda

The pace of innovation in oncology treatment is rapidly increasing, with rising numbers of novel active substances and faster speeds to launch. ONS is working to ensure nurses are quickly and proactively prepared to care for patients using these emerging treatments and calls on the U.S. Congress and the administration to improve access to cancer screening, safe and affordable cancer drugs, radiotherapy, and surgery.

Oncology nurses play an integral role in disseminating public health education and disease prevention. ONS will work to encourage the U.S. Congress and the administration to ensure federal funding for initiatives like screening, education, early detection, and prevention through the CDC, encompassing efforts to combat tobacco and e-cigarette usage. Additionally, ONS seeks unimpeded insurance coverage to expand treatment access for smoking cessation, aligning with the surgeon general's cessation report, while also addressing how social determinants of health impact access to advancements in cancer prevention and early detection services. ONS also advocates for legislation and enhances access to cancer screening and decreases exposure to known carcinogens.

ONS advocates for transformative research to advance cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment and to achieve the goals of the National Cancer Moonshot Initiative. ONS encourages the U.S. Congress and the administration to endorse precision oncology and genomics for revolutionary cancer care, address outcome disparities, and sustain funding for health disparity programs. Embracing individual variations, ONS supports innovative treatments and patient awareness of clinical trials, striving for diversity among participants and coverage of associated costs. Amplifying research funding at NIH and related institutes, ONS seeks backing for nurse scientists and expands palliative care and symptom management research. The partnership with the FDA's Project Livin' Label bolsters understanding of oncology product approvals.

ONS recommends that the U.S. Congress and the administration enact the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act (PCHETA), which would improve palliative care and hospice training for nurses and other health professionals and establish programs for advanced practice providers to train and teach in palliative care, home care, hospice, long-term care, and other areas. ONS also urges sustained federal funding for the Title VIII Public Health Service Act Nursing Education.

The field of oncology rapidly adapted to the 154% increase in clinical care provided remotely following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The shift was facilitated by relaxed guidelines from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services but occurred without formal resources and education for nurses on how to evolve problem-based care over the telephone to full-care visits over video. ONS asks the U.S. Congress and the administration to promote access to virtual care and telehealth by ensuring permanent coverage, expansion of services, and support for technology and resources to advance this mode of health care. ONS also advocates that where teleoncology is being used, limitations of technology use due to socioeconomic class or digital literacy are considered and addressed to not increase disparities.

Although nurses have been the number one trusted profession for the past 21 years in a row, they encounter workplace violence and abuse at a higher rate than in any other profession in the United States. ONS calls upon the U.S. Congress and administration to uphold and bolster frontline nurses' well-being and support. Essential actions include addressing nursing burnout and workplace violence, acknowledging the correlation between proper nurse staffing and enhanced patient outcomes, prioritizing safe working environments that reduce exposures, and emphasizing culturally competent and safe clinical practices across healthcare settings.

For patients to access the most comprehensive, cost-effective care, oncology nurses must be able to practice to their full licensure and training. Throughout the COVID-19 public health emergency, federal and state agencies eased practice restrictions, maximizing access to care during the pandemic. ONS calls on the U.S. Congress and the administration to preserve those flexibilities and promote oncology nurses’ scope of practice, especially regarding new and innovative models of care delivery, within the Medicare, Medicaid, and Veterans Health programs. In addition, ONS urges the U.S. Congress and the administration to ensure reimbursement policy is inclusive of nursing, including abolishing incident-to-billing and allowing advanced practice RNs (APRNs) to bill directly for services provided.

To bolster the oncology nursing workforce, ONS advocates the need for federal policies to accurately acknowledge and encompass the crucial role of oncology nurses in patient care and outcomes. This involves advocating for comprehensive Medicare payments and policies that cover the full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient oncology nursing services, including those by APRNs. ONS supports establishing distinct "specialty designations" for APRNs in oncology, promoting their unique contributions and aiding in research and equitable healthcare enhancements. The organization also pushes for policies enabling oncology nurses to provide primary care, chronic care management, and advance care planning. Additionally, ONS strives to integrate nursing insights into policymaking and backs the appointment of oncology nurses to relevant state and federal panels, committees, commissions, and boards.

Scope of Practice for NPs
September 20, 2024

Together with the Nursing Community Coalition, ONS signed a letter in support of federal legislation that would allow Nurse Practitioners to certify disabilities and oversee treatment for injured or ill federal employees under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act.

Federal Funding for Nursing Programs
September 16, 2024

Along with the Nursing Community Coalition, ONS sent a letter to Congressional leadership urging increased funding for the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development programs and the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR).

PQLC Comments on Medicare Proposed Physician Fee Schedules
September 9, 2024

As part of the Patient Quality of Life Coalition (PQLC), ONS submitted comments to CMS regarding palliative care reimbursement.

CY 2025 Payment Policies under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment and Coverage Policies
September 9, 2024

ONS submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on proposed changes to payment for Patient Navigation services and colorectal cancer screenings.

Considerations in Demonstrating Interchangeability with a Reference Product
August 20, 2024

ONS responded to a FDA proposal regarding the interchangeability of certain drugs. 

National Institutes of Health (NIH) Reform (from ONS)
August 16, 2024

ONS commented on proposal to restructure the NIH.

NIH Reform (from Nursing Community Coalition)
August 16, 2024

ONS joined with other members of the Nursing Community Coalition to provide feedback on proposed reforms to the NIH.

Listening Session: Optimizing the Food and Drug Administration's Use of and Processes for Advisory Committees; Public Meeting; Request for Comments
August 13, 2024

ONS, along with the Nursing Community Coalition, wrote the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the importance of including nurses on federal advisory councils and boards.

Clinical Trials
July 30, 2024

ONS responded to a FDA proposal to increase diversity in clinical trials.

Medical Debt
July 30, 2024

ONS responded to a proposal from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) about the treatment of medical debt.

21st Century Cures
July 29, 2024

ONS responded to a Congressional request about the 21st Century Cures act, passed in 2016, and provided ideas for follow up legislation.

ONS Labor H Full Committee
July 15, 2024

ONS wrote to members of the House Appropriations Committee expressing concerns with funding levels for critical programs in Fiscal Year 2025 funding legislation. 

Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act
House Version and Senate Version
June 28, 2024

ONS sent a letter in support of the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act, which would streamline the prior authorization process in Medicare Advantage plans. 

Coalition Letter on Need for Stronger Enforcement Against Unauthorized E-Cigarettes
May 22, 2024

ONS joins public health partners asking FDA Commissioner Califf and Attorney General Garland for stronger enforcement against unauthorized e-cigarettes. 

National Firefighter Registry
May 21, 2024

ONS commented on a CDC proposal in favor of the National Firefighters Registry that tracks incidences of cancer among firefighters. 

Stop Nurse Shortages Act
May 9, 2024

ONS wrote to Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI) in support of her bill to increase resources for nursing schools. 

ONS House Appropriations Testimony
May 1, 2024

ONS submitted written testimony to the House Committee on Appropriations outlining our Fiscal Year 2025 funding priorities. 

Healthy Women/HPV Alliance
April 11, 2024

ONS joined partners in writing to the President's Cancer Moonshot reiterating the importance of HPV vaccination. 

Clarification on Regulatory Requirements to Deliver Principal Illness Navigation (PIN) Services
April 3, 2024

ONS and ONCC wrote to CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure asking for clarification on certification requirements for patient navigation services. 

Medicare Drug Shortage Prevention and Mitigation Program
March 29, 2024

ONS sent a letter to the Senate Finance Committee regarding a draft proposal to address critical drug shortages. 

Cancer Community Letter to Admin on Menthol Rule
March 19, 2024

ONS joined other organizations in continuing to urge the Biden Administration to finalize a rule prohibiting the use of menthol flavoring in cigarettes.

Advance Notice of Methodological Changes for Calendar Year (CY) 2025 for Medicare Advantage (MA) Capitation Rates and Part C and Part D Payment Policies  
March 1, 2024

ONS provided feedback to CMS on proposed quality measures for cancer screenings. 

Employee Retirement Income Security Act Request for Information
March 1, 2024

ONS asks Congress to ensure coverage for oral chemotherapy drugs in proposals to reform employer-provided health insurance.

Letter to Congress to Act on Telehealth Earlier This Year
February 22, 2024

ONS joined with other groups urging the Biden Administration to renew policies to expand access to telehealth services. 

Appropriate Germline Testing for Ovarian Cancer Patients
February 16, 204

ONS supports the inclusion of appropriate germline testing for ovarian cancer in Centers for Medicaid and Medicare payment measures. 

H.R. 3916, Screening for Communities to Receive Early and Equitable Needed Services (SCREENS) for Cancer Act
February 14, 2024

ONS wrote to the leadership of the House Energy and Commerce Committee in support of  HR 3916, the SCREENS Act, which would reauthorize the Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Act. 

ACS-CAN Proposed Safe Harbor 2024
February 2, 2024

ONS joined with other patient and provider groups to encourage clinical trial sponsors to cover indirect costs for participants in order to increase diversity in clinical trials. 

One Voice Against Cancer
January 30, 2024

ONS joins with the One Voice Against Cancer (OVAC) Coalition to request increased funding for the National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

ONS S. 1840
January 19, 2024

ONS wrote to Senate leadership asking for the quick passage of legislation to reauthorize the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.

NCC
January 9, 2024

As part of the Nursing Community Coalition, ONS sent a letter to Congress regarding funding for nurse education programs and the National Institute of Nursing Research.  

ONS Comments Low Cost QHFs and AFP
January 8, 2024

ONS comments on a CMS proposal to create lower cost health plans for people with chronic conditions (including cancer).

CMS Germline
December 22, 2023

ONS encourages CMS to adopt measures to increase the availability of germline screening for ovarian cancer. 

Cancer Community Letter to Biden Administration on Menthol Cigarettes
December 13, 2023

ONS joins other oncology groups to express our disappointment in the Biden Administration for delaying a rule that would allow the FDA to prohibit menthol flavoring in cigarettes. 

ONS Menthol Rule
December 5, 2023

ONS asked the Office of Budget and Management (OMB) to finalize a rule banning the use of menthol flavoring in cigarettes.

PQLC
December 5, 2023

ONS joined the Patient Quality of Life Coalition (PQLC) in asking the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension (HELP) to consider S. 2243, the Palliative Care and Hospice Education Act in a markup.

NCC to NIH Director
November 30, 2023

ONS joined the Nursing Community Coalition in welcoming Dr. Moncia Bertagnoli, the new Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Cancer Panel Tech in Navigation
November 29, 2023

ONS provided comments to the President’s Cancer Panel on the use of technology in patient navigation services.

ONS PIN Moonshot
November 27, 2023

ONS provided comments on Medicare coverage of Primary Illness Navigation (PIN) services to the President’s Cancer Moonshot Initiative.

NCC FY 2024
November 13, 2023

ONS joined the Nursing Community Coalition in supporting more federal funding for nurse education programs.

Cancer Community Letter
November 13, 2023

ONS joined other oncology organizations calling for a final rule  on banning menthol cigarettes.

Helping Tobacco Users Quit Act
September 28, 2023

ONS supports H.R. 4775, the Helping Tobacco Users Quit Act, legislation that will ensure that all Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) enrollees have access to the full array of evidence-based tobacco cessation treatments, including all Food and Drug Administration (FDA)- approved medications. 

Medicare and Medicaid Program: Calendar Year 2024 Payment Policies
September 11, 2023

ONS joined with several other organizations to encourage the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) to pay for caregiver training services.

Principle Illness Navigation and Dental Services Coverage 
September 11, 2023

ONS submits comments to CMS on the proposed guidelines for reimbursement related to Principal Illness Navigation Services and dental service coverage when linked to medical services, such as oncology treatments. 

HR 5212
August 28, 2023

ONS wrote a letter of support for legislation that would increase access to early detection tools for firefighters, who are frequently exposed to high levels of carcinogens.

Scalp Cooling
July 21, 2023

ONS supports Palmetto as the first Medicare Administrative Contractor in proposal to cover scalp cooling for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced alopecia.

ONS Supports National Cancer Plan
June 23, 2023

ONS letter to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in support of the newly announced National Cancer Plan.

ONS Coalition Support of NIH Designee
June 20, 2023

ONS joins One Voice Against Cancer (OVAC) Coalition, a coalition of over 50 public interest groups representing millions of cancer patients, researchers, providers, survivors, and their families, strongly support President Biden’s nomination of Dr. Monica Bertagnolli as Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and urge her swift confirmation.

ONS Draft Statement on Breast Cancer Screening
June 6, 2023

ONS submits comments on the recommendation statement, evidence review and modeling report on breast cancer screening at USPSTF.

Tobacco Free Kids Urges the US Congress to Maintain FDA's Jurisdiction Over Tobacco Products
June 12, 2023

ONS joins the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids to urge the US Congress to maintain FDA's jurisdiction over tobacco products.

Nomination to the National Advisory Council
May 27, 2023

ONS nominates oncology nurse to the Healthcare Research and Quality Council.

ONS Letter to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on Lymphedema Treatment Act
May 16, 2023

ONS submits letter of support to CMS on the Lymphedema Treatment Act.

NCC Urges US Congress to Support Nursing Funding
May 8, 2023

ONS supports coalition partners in urging the US Congress to A support nursing workforce, during National Nurses Week and expresses our support of legislative priorities that directly impact nursing education, workforce, and research.

2024 Defense Appropriations Act
April, 2023

ONS joins coalition partners in a letter to the US Congress is support of support the critical and highly successful defense health research programs funded through the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) at the Department of Defense (DoD).

Letter to Congress to Fund the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Title VII and Title VIII
April 3, 2023

ONS joins coalition partners to urge Congress to provide $1.51 billion for the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Title VII health professions and Title VIII nursing workforce development programs for FY 2024.

S. 892, Colorectal Cancer Detection Act
April 3, 2023

ONS thanks the US Senate for introducing S. 892, the Colorectal Cancer Detection Act. This critical legislation would increase access to colorectal cancer screenings by authorizing blood-based screening tests for reimbursement under the Medicare program.

H.R.1826, Prostate-Specific Antigen Screening for High-risk Insured Men (PSA Screening for HIM) Act
April 3, 2023

ONS thanks the US Congress for introducing H.R.1826, the PSA Screening for HIM Act. This critical legislation would expand access to prostate cancer screening by waiving deductibles, copayments, and coinsurances for individuals at high risk of developing prostate cancer.

Improving Care Delivery and Integrating Specialty Care in Population-Based Models Request for Input (RFI)
March 29, 2023

The Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) appreciates the opportunity to provide feedback to the Physician- Focused Payment Model Technical Advisory Committee (PTAC) on its aforementioned RFI.

Increase Funding at CDC for Smoking Cessation
March 16, 2023

ONS joins coalition partners in asking the US Congress to increase the FY 2024 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations bill for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Office on Smoking and Health (OSH) by $63.5 million, for a total of $310 million.

Advancing Interoperability and Improving Prior Authorization Processes for Medicare
March 13, 2023

ONS submits formal recommendations on CMS’ proposals to address prior authorizations, and particularly appreciate the expansion of the impacted payers to include Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, for which these policies would apply.

Reducing Hereditary Cancer Act Letter
March 13, 2023

ONS joins coalition partners to express our support for the Reducing Hereditary Cancer Act. This crucial piece of legislation would address unacceptable care gaps in Medicare beneficiary access to genetic testing for hereditary cancer risk, evidence-based screening, and risk-reducing interventions, when medically necessary and appropriate.

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Letter
March 8, 2023

ONS joins coalition partners in support of AHRQ Congressional appropriations funding.

VHA Smoke-Free Coalition Letter
March 6, 2023

ONS joins coalition partners in support of your legislation to make Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities fully smoke-free.

PQLC Letter to Senate Regarding Health Care Workforce Shortages
February 16, 2023

ONS joins coalition partners in the Patient Quality of Life Coalition (PQLC) to thank the US Congress for prioritizing health care workforce shortages as the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee begins the 118th Congress.

Medicare Advantage
February 13, 2023

ONS submits formal comments on the Medicare programs proposed rules on patient protections with regard to utilization management and formularies.

New and Modified Safe Harbors and Special Fraud
January 27, 2023

ONS joins coalition partners in a letter to the US government on the proposed new regulatory safe harbor to the federal health care program anti-kickback statute.

Funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Office on Smoking and Health (OSH)
November 17, 2022

ONS joins coalition partners in sending the US Congress a letter in support of a final appropriations bills for fiscal year 2023, to fund the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Office on Smoking and Health (OSH) at $261.5 million..

Next-gen COVID-19 Therapeutics and Alternative Treatments
November 17, 2022

ONS joins HealthWomen and coalition partners in asking the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy to review COVID-19 Vaccines that would focus on ways to support patient access to next-gen therapeutics.

Screening for Skin Cancer
November 2, 2022

ONS agrees with the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) that there is a lack of evidence to support recommending visual skin screening for asymptomatic adolescents and adults. However, the Society feels there is a notable lack of recognition or guidance for those who are at elevated risk, but without a history of abnormal skin lesion.

Oral Cancer and CMS Payments
September 22, 2022

ONS submits comments to CMS on certain dental exams, diagnostic, and treatment services prior to head and neck cancer treatments.

Nicotine Standard
September 12, 2022

ONS joins coalition partners in writing support of your recent announcement that FDA will issue a proposed rule to reduce the nicotine level in cigarettes to non-addictive or minimally addictive levels. Such a standard would generate massive public health benefits, preventing millions of young people from smoking and dramatically reducing the number of people who die from tobacco-caused diseases. We urge you to move forward with this proposal as quickly as possible.

Tobacco Product Standard for Characterizing Flavors in Cigars
August 2, 2022

ONS joins coalition partners in submitting comments in response to the Proposed Rule for a Tobacco Product Standard for Characterizing Flavors in Cigars to the FDA.

COVID and Patient Access
July 20, 2022

ONS joins coalition partners in raising concerns that millions of vulnerable Americans who have limited options for protection against COVID- 19 are going to remain isolated and frustrated that they could be left on the sidelines while society continues to disregard safety protocols.

Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) reauthorization
July 11, 2022

ONS joins 71 undersigned organizations, representing patients with chronic and acute health conditions, write to urge conferees for the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) reauthorization to include provisions aimed at creating equitable opportunities for clinical trial participation and improving trial diversity.

Title V of the House Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) reauthorization
June 8, 2022

ONS joins coalition partners, representing patients with chronic and acute health conditions to urge Congress to take up critical provisions included in Title V of the House Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) reauthorization to improve diversity in clinical trials.

FDA Issuing Proposed Rules to Prohibit Menthol Cigarettes
April 22, 2022

ONS joins coalition members in support for the Food and Drug Administration’s commitment to issuing proposed rules this Spring to prohibit menthol as a characterizing flavor in cigarettes and prohibit all characterizing flavors in cigars.

OSH Funding Coalition Letter House
April 18, 2022

ONS joins coalition partners in asking the US Congress to increase funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Office on Smoking and Health (OSH) by $68.5 million, for a total of $310 million. This increase would help OSH respond to high rates of e-cigarette use among youth and the devastating toll that tobacco1 continues to take on our nation’s health.

Friends of HRSA Congressional Letter
April 6, 2022

ONS joins coalition partners in recommending at least $9.8 billion for discretionary Health Resources and Services Administration programs in the FY 2023 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies appropriations bill.

Expressing Support for Healthcare Providers During COVID
March 17, 2022

ONS joins coalition partners in gratitude to the US Congress for introducing H. Res. 909 – a resolution “expressing support for health care personnel and condemning assaults on health care personnel as the U.S. health care system faces unprecedented staffing shortages and increased workplace stressors.”

Friends of HRSA Congressional Appropriations Request
March 16, 2022

ONS joins coalition members in asking the US Congress to appropriations funding to AHRQ for improving the healthcare system.

Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act (HR 3089 / S 1544) (AKACA)
January 4, 2022

ONS joins coalition partners in asking the US Congress to enact the Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act (HR 3089 / S 1544) (AKACA).

2021

Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2021
November 29, 2021

ONS joins coalition partners in opposing S. 438, the Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2021, which would exempt some cigars, including some inexpensive, machine-made cigars, from oversight under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (TCA).

Step Therapy for Part B Drugs in Medicare Advantage
November 23, 2021

ONS joins coalition partners in a letter to CMS. CMS was recently presented with current examples of patient harm due to the implementation of utilization management protocols and we are asking that the agency move swiftly to reinstate the step therapy prohibition in Medicare Advantage (MA) plans for Part B drugs.

Tobacco Tax Legislative Provision
September 24, 2021

ONS joins coalition partner to thank the US Congress for including in the portion of the Build Back Better Act that was approved by the Ways and Means Committee. These provisions will generate substantial benefits to public health by helping prevent young people from starting to use tobacco products and encouraging current users to quit.

H.R. 1667, The Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act
September 2, 2021

ONS writes to thank the US Congress for championing H.R. 1667, the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act. This important legislation would help prevent provider burnout, suicide, and behavioral health conditions among health care providers, including oncology nurses.

MLB and Anti Smoking Request
August 23, 2021

ONS joins coalition partners in asking Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) to include one change that should no longer be controversial: prohibit the use of all commercial tobacco products by all players, managers, coaches, other personnel and fans at all MLB venues.

The Cancer Care Planning and Communications Act
August 16, 2021

ONS thanks the US Congress for introducing H.R. 4414, the Cancer Care Planning and Communications Act (CCPCA). This important legislation would improve provider-patient communication by enabling providers to bill Medicare for the time they spend developing comprehensive cancer care plans.

Priorities for Medicare Telehealth Reform
July 26, 202

ONS joins coalition partners in thanking the US Congress for its swift action under the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020 and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that have allowed clinicians to scale delivery and provide all Americans access to high-quality virtual care.

Cancer Clinical Trial Eligibility Criteria
July 19, 2021

ONS fully supports efforts to reduce barriers to clinical trial enrollment and participation and concurs with the FDA that “eligibility criteria in which patients receive an investigational drug(s) in lieu of available therapy is reasonable in the non-curative setting (i.e., when there is no potential for cure or for prolonged/near normal survival) when patients have been provided adequate information to make an informed decision on trial participation.”

Tobacco Tax Equity Act of 2021
July 16, 2021

ONS joins coalition partners to express our strong support for S. 1314, the Tobacco Tax Equity Act of 2021, which would increase the federal excise tax on cigarettes and set federal tax rates for other tobacco products at an equivalent level.

Support for H.R. 1550—the PREVENT HPV Cancers Act of 2021
July 15, 2021

ONS writes to thank the US Congress for including the PREVENT HPV Cancers Act of 2021 in the House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee markup and urges support of the legislation.

21st Century Cures 2.0 Discussion Draft
July 8, 2021

ONS thanks the US Congress for its continued leadership and efforts to safely and efficiently modernize the delivery of treatments to patients. The latest Cures 2.0 discussion draft contains important proposals that will further advance the critical work of the 21st Century Cures Act in improving the discovery, development, and delivery of cancer treatments in this country.

Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids
June 7, 2021

ONS joins coalition partners in supporting legislation to make Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities fully smoke-free. Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, killing more than 480,000 Americans each year, and the scientific evidence on the health risks associated with secondhand smoke is clear, convincing, and overwhelming.

Lymphedema Treatment Act, H.R.3630
June 4, 2021

ONS's support for the Lymphedema Treatment Act, H.R.3630, and to thanks you for your leadership in introducing this important legislation. Amending the Medicare statute to enable coverage for prescribed medical compression garments will help millions of Americans with lymphedema access the care they need to manage this chronic disease.

Medical Nutrition Therapy Act
May 21, 2021

ONS writes to thank you for introducing S. 1536, the Medical Nutrition Therapy Act. This important legislation would expand Medicare Part B coverage of outpatient medical nutrition therapy services to a number of currently uncovered diseases or conditions, including cancer. The Medical Nutrition Therapy Act would also authorize nurse practitioners, physician assistants, clinical nurse specialists and psychologists to refer their patients for medical nutrition therapy.

National Bladder Cancer Awareness Month
May 21, 2021

On behalf of the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), I write to thank you for introducing H.Res.372, supporting the designation of May as "National Bladder Cancer Awareness Month.”

Support for National Nurses Week
May 21, 2021

On behalf of the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), I write to thank you for introducing S.Res.208, supporting the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week, observed from May 6 through May 12, 2021. S.Res.208 acknowledges the significant contributions of nurses to the health care system of the United States and encourages the nation to recognize the importance of nurses to the everyday lives of patients.

Glioblastoma Awareness Day
May 21, 2021

ONS thanks you for introducing H.Res.391, supporting the designation of July 21, 2021 as "Glioblastoma Awareness Day.” Glioblastoma is the most common malignant, cancerous brain tumor. Approximately 13,000 new cases of glioblastoma will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2021, and it is estimated that more than 10,000 people will die from glioblastoma this year. Oncology nurses are the health professionals involved in the administration and monitoring of chemotherapy and managing the associated side effects cancer patients may experience.

Friends of the Health Resources and Services Administration
March 8, 2021

ONS and the healthcare community are grateful for the increases provided for HRSA programs in FY 2021 and for the emergency supplemental funding to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, but HRSA’s discretionary budget authority is far too low to effectively address the nation’s current public health and health care needs.

Support for the Telehealth Improvement for Kids’ Essential Services (TIKES) Act
February 24, 2021

Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) writes to thank you for introducing the Telehealth Improvement for Kids’ Essential Services (TIKES) Act, which would provide for strategies to increase access to telehealth under the Medicaid program and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

AHRQ Congressional Appropriations
February 22, 2021

To maximize the translation of research findings across the public health and health care continuum to improved patient care and keep pace with the rapidly evolving and changing health care landscape, additional investments in AHRQ are needed.

Federal Funding for Cancer Research
February 17, 2021

ONS and OVAC, representing millions of cancer patients, researchers, providers, survivors, and their families, are writing regarding federal funding for cancer research and prevention priorities for Fiscal Year 2022.

COVID Vaccine Prioritization
February 17, 2021

Cancer community urges Biden administration on the importance of ensuring that prioritization of vaccine supplies be given to high-risk populations that include patients with active cancer and survivors of cancer.

Expressing support for the designation of February 4, 2021, as "National Cancer Prevention Day"
February 8, 2021

On behalf of the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), I write to thank you for introducing H.Res..96, expressing support for the designation of February 4, 2021 as "National Cancer Prevention Day."

CMMI Part D Payment Modernization Models
February 4, 2021

The undersigned organizations represent millions of patients and consumers facing serious and chronic health conditions. We write in response to the new flexibilities for calendar year (CY) 2022 offered to Part D sponsors who participate in the Medicare Part D Payment Modernization models that were announced under the previous administration by the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) on January 19, 2021.

2020

Support for Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act
December 22, 2020

On behalf of the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), the Society writes to thank you for introducing S.5051, the Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act.

ONS Comments on Most Favored Nation Model 
December 8, 2020

ONS writes in response to the released interim final rule containing the Most Favored Nation (MFN) Model (CMS-5528-IFC). Thank you for your continued commitment to lowering drug prices, as well as the opportunity to submit feedback on the MFN Model.

Funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Office on Smoking and Health (OSH)
December 2, 2020

ONS joins coalition partners in urging the US Congress to fund the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Office on Smoking and Health (OSH) at the House-passed funding level of $240 million. The House-passed level provides a $10 million increase for OSH and is vitally important to respond to alarming e-cigarette usage rates among youth and the devastating toll that tobacco continues to take on our nation’s health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Public Health Imperative of Granting Citizen Petition Urging Prohibition of Menthol as Characterizing Flavor in Cigarettes
November 9, 2020

ONS joins coalition partners in addressing the FDA with regards in urging the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to grant the pending Citizen Petition referenced above and commence the requested rulemaking to prohibit menthol as a characterizing flavor in cigarettes.

Request for Information on the 340B Drug Pricing Program
October 29, 2020

The Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) writes in response to the US Senate's request for information (RFI) related to the 340B Drug Pricing Program. Thank you for the opportunity to submit feedback and suggestions to ensure that this critical program serves vulnerable, low-income patients.

Support for H.Res.1192, National Lung Cancer Awareness Month
October 20, 2020

On behalf of the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), I write to thank you for introducing H.Res.1192, expressing support for the goals of November National Lung Cancer Awareness Month and for the early detection of lung cancer.

Support for H.R. 8441, the Frontline Heroes Act
October 14, 2020

On behalf of the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), I write to thank you for introducing H.R. 8441, the Frontline Heroes Act, which would provide survivor benefits to the families of health care workers who pass away from COVID-19 and disability benefits for health care workers who are disabled due to complications from COVID-19.

Clinical Treatment Act Community Endorsement Letter
October 9, 2020

ONS joins coalition members in thanking the US Senate for introducing S. 4742, the CLINICAL TREATMENT Act. As organizations that value patient access to clinical trials, we are pleased to endorse your legislation, which would ensure states cover routine care costs of participation in an approved clinical trial for Medicaid enrollees with life-threatening conditions.

Medicare Program; CY 2021 Payment Policies
October 5, 2020

On behalf of the Patient Quality of Life Coalition, we thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed updates to the Quality Payment Program.

ONS Supports the Future Advancement of Academic Nursing (FAAN) Act
September 30, 2020

(S.4396/H.R.7945). Throughout this pandemic, the NCC has highlighted many shared legislative priorities to support the safety of nurses on the frontlines through increased investments in public health, personal protective equipment, research, and technology.

CIACC Rural Telehealth Executive Order
August 14, 2020

As members of the Coalition to Improve Access to Cancer Care (CIACC), ONS joins various stakeholders who serve cancer patients across the nation. These patients face severe issues in accessing lifesaving therapies, especially patients residing in rural and medically underserved areas. Such barriers to access are only exacerbated during the current COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, we believe it is important to address patient access to oral anticancer medications, which has been an issue that has increased in importance as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Protecting Access to Post-COVID-19 Telehealth Act of 2020 (HR 7663)
August 3, 2020

ONS joins coalition partners in thanking the US Congress for the continued leadership on telehealth as leaders of the House Telehealth Caucus. The Society is pleased to support recently introduced legislation, the Protecting Access to Post-COVID-19 Telehealth Act of 2020 (HR 7663). This legislation takes critical steps toward ensuring all Medicare beneficiaries have continued access to telehealth services after the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) period.

Protect and Support Nurses and APRNs on the Frontlines
July 29, 2020

ONS joins the nursing community in thanking the US Congress’ continued efforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact it has on our communities and patients. The NCC is a cross section of education, practice, research, and regulation within the nursing profession representing nurses (RNs), advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), nurse leaders, students, faculty, and researchers who have been on the frontlines during this public health crisis.

Cancer Drug Parity Act (H.R. 1730/S. 741)
July 28, 2020

ONS joins the cancer community in writing on behalf of millions of cancer patients, survivors, doctors, nurses, cancer centers, pharmacists and researchers regarding action Congress should take to ensure continuity of care for people with cancer and survivors.

Support for H.R. 4078, the EARLY Act Reauthorization of 2019
July 29, 2020

ONS writes to thank the US Congress for holding a hearing to consider legislation to reauthorize and increase funding for the Breast Cancer Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young (EARLY) Act. This bill will allow for the continuation of vital work to educate young women and certain women at higher risk of breast cancer about their breast health.

NCC Letter to US Congress on CMS
July 15, 2020

ONS joins the Nursing Community Coalition to express our strong support for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) swift and impactful actions to provide regulatory relief for healthcare providers during the current public health emergency. Given the President’s recent Executive Order on Regulatory Relief to Support Economic Recovery, and as CMS reviews the regulatory response, we urge CMS to continue to remove barriers to practice, encourage innovation, and ensure that our patients have access to the highest quality nursing care by extending, and making permanent, waivers beyond this Public Health Emergency (PHE).

Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids
July 7, 2020

ONS joins coalition members in the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids in asking the US House Appropriations Committee as it marks up the Fiscal Year 2021 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, to oppose any efforts to weaken FDA’s authority over cigars or any other tobacco products.

Post-COVID Telehealth Priorities
June 29, 2020

ONS joins coalition partners in thanking the US Congress for acting to expand access to telehealth services during the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) by providing the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) the authority to waive longstanding restrictions on Medicare telehealth services and ensuring that additional types of health care providers can furnish telehealth services during the pandemic.

Preparing for the Next Pandemic Feedback
June 26, 2020

ONS joins the Coalition to Improve Access to Cancer Care (CIACC), in a letter to the US Congress that we appreciate the opportunity to provide feedback on your “Preparing for the Next Pandemic” white paper as you and the HELP Committee develop the legislative reforms. The CIACC is a cancer patient-focused organization representing patients, health-care professionals, care centers and the life sciences industry.

Emergency Triage Letter
May 20, 2020

ONS joins coalition partners interested in increased risk of complications related to COVID-19, including those with cancer and other conditions. We urge the Department of Health and Human Service’s (HHS’s) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) to issue additional guidance to make clear that state emergency triage guidance that would limit or restrict access to life- saving care for certain patients with underlying conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic violates federal antidiscrimination laws.

NCC Support for CRNAs FPA at VA
May 18, 2020

ONS joins the Nursing Community Coalition in support of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Directive 1899 to remove barriers to practice and allow for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) to practice to the full extent of their education and abilities, especially as our nation combats COVID-19.

Support of H.Res.951, supporting the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week
May 11, 2020

ONS writes to thank Congress for introducing H.Res.951, supporting the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week, observed from May 6 through May 12, 2020. H.Res.951 acknowledges the significant contributions of nurses to the health care system of the United States and encourages the nation to recognize the importance of nurses to the everyday lives of patients.

Congress Support for Research Affected by COVID-19
May 6, 2020

We, the undersigned organizations, appreciate the Congressional response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impact. We write to encourage you to provide at least $2 billion in bridge funding in future Congressional COVID-19 relief packages to assure the stalled research supported by non-profit organizations, voluntary health associations, science societies, and foundations, can resume once researchers return to their labs.

COVID-19 Guidelines
April 30, 2020

As health care professionals, health systems, and communities everywhere face the rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic, evidence-based guidance from a trusted source is both needed and welcomed.

Disclosure of Tobacco Products for Premarket FDA Applications
April 23, 2020

In light of the skyrocketing youth e-cigarette epidemic, and concerns that smoking and vaping may increase the risk of severe complications from COVID-19, it is more critical than ever that new tobacco products be subject to statutorily-required public health review by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and that products for which timely and complete applications are not filed be removed from the marketplace as quickly as possible.

Cancer Drug Parity Act
April 15, 2020

As we continue to grapple with the enormous impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we write to you today representing millions of cancer patients, survivors, doctors, nurses, cancer centers, pharmacists and researchers regarding action Congress should take to ensure continuity of care for people with cancer and survivors.

Coronavirus Stimulus Bill Considerations
April 13, 2020
As members of the Coalition to Improve Access to Cancer Care (CIACC), we represent various stakeholders who serve cancer patients across the nation. While the COVID-19 pandemicprogresses, we are concerned about their lack of access to life-saving therapies.

H.Res.913, Expressing support for frontline workers of the COVID-19 pandemic
April 6, 2020

ONS writes to thank Congress for introducing a resolution thanking workers on the frontlines of the coronavirus crisis and reaffirming Congress’ responsibility to meet the safety needs of these workers by providing ample resources and protective equipment.

PPEs and the Trump Administration
April 3, 2020

We are appreciative of the initial steps that the Administration has taken in recent days to address this shortage. However, it is already clear that current policy is not sufficient to fully address this crisis and additional, urgent action is required to protect the public’s health and save lives.

Support for H.R.5858 – Military Pilot Cancer Incidence Study Act
April 2, 2020

ONS writes to thank US Representative Luria for sponsoring legislation to require the Department of Defense to study and report on the incidence of cancer diagnosis and mortality among pilots in the uniformed services. The study would also be required to determine the appropriate age to begin screening such members for cancer.

Mask N95 Letter from Health Care Providers to Congress
March 20, 2020

We as health care and mental health providers across the nation urge you to ensure that personal protection equipment (PPE) is available to all health care systems, facilities, and providers to ensure safe working environments during the current COVID-19 pandemic and any future crisis. Providers across all settings are facing severe shortages of PPE, including masks and respirators, that will leave many unprotected and potentially infected by the virus.

ONS CDC Tobacco Use Request for Information
March 20, 2020

The Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) appreciates the opportunity to provide our perspective on ways through which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) may support state and local health departments and their partners, including oncology nurses, to advance health equity related to tobacco use, dependency, and secondhand tobacco product emissions. 

Potential Aid for Industries Impacted by Coronavirus
March 13, 2020

As Congress and the Administration consider federal intervention to support industries impacted by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the Oncology Nursing Society urges you to include associations, nonprofits, and other tax-exempt organizations within any federal aid packages or supplemental appropriations measures. Many professional nursing societies have been and will be harmed by event cancellations and reduced meeting attendance as a result of COVID-19.

ONS Opposes President's Cuts to Nursing Workforce and Research in FY 2021 Budget Proposal 
February 10, 2020

ONS joins The Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) in expressing disappointment on the severe cuts being made to key domestic and health care programs in the Trump administration’s fiscal year 2021 budget, “A Budget for America’s Future.” This budgetary blueprint stops short in meeting the nation’s growing demand for nursing workforce and research, especially as health care needs in our country continue to grow. The severe cuts to domestic health programming will have an adverse effect on both the nursing workforce and vulnerable patient populations in need of access to treatments, affordable prescription medications, clinical trials, and providers.

“Oncology nurses are essential in the provision of patient-centered care and evidence-based research. ONS will continue to advocate for sustained support in NIH, FDA, CDC, HRSA, and other critical agencies that protect America’s health,” said Michele McCorkle, MSN, RN, Chief Strategy Officer for the Oncology Nursing Society. ONS is a member of the NCC.

ONS Joins Coalition Partners in Expressing Strong Support for H.R. 2339, the Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019 
February 4, 2020

ONS joins coalition partners in expressing our strong support for H.R. 2339, the Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019. This legislation will address the current youth e-cigarette epidemic that is undermining the progress made in reducing youth tobacco use.

2019

ONS Provides Comments on Potential Oncology Care First (OCF) Model
December 12, 2019

ONS writes letter to provide perspective on potential OCF Model that aims to improve health outcomes and quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries with cancer.

ONS Urges Support of the Lymphedema Treatment Act 
December 10, 2019

ONS joins with myriad organizations in sending a letter to Congressional Leadership urging them to publicly express support for the Lymphedema Treatment Act, and work to include the bill in whatever compromise package emerges from the ongoing negotiations in other legislation.

ONS Joins HPNEC in Support of Funding for Programs Under Title VII and VIII in FY2020
November 26, 2019

ONS and the Health Professions and Nursing Education Coalition (HPNEC) write to the leadership of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees to restate the coalition’s recommendation of $690 million for the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Title VII health professions and Title VIII nursing workforce development programs for fiscal year (FY) 2020.

ONS Writes in Support of Removing Flavored E-Cigarettes From Market
November 18, 2019

ONS joins in unified support to remove all non-tobacco flavored e-cigarettes from market. Youth e-cigarette use and nicotine addiction leads to increased risk of cigarette use. Tobacco remains accessible to minors, and more needs to be done to prevent young people from using these addictive products.

ONS Joins Coalition Partners in Urging Congress to Finalize Long-Term Reauthorization of PCORI
November 4, 2019

ONS joins partners in writing to urge Congress to finalize a long-term reauthorization of PCORI, maintain its current funding sources, and continue its mandate to conduct comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER). The Friends of PCORI Reauthorization is a coalition of 184 patient and family caregiver organizations, health provider associations, biopharma/life science companies, payers, and other interested entities and individuals supportive of PCORI’s patient-centered mission and reauthorization.

ONS Thanks US House of Representatives for the Passing of the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act (PCHETA)
ONS Thanks US House of Representatives for the Passing of the Title VII Nursing Workforce Development Act of 2019 (H.R. 728)
October 29, 2019

ONS joins coalition partners in thanking the US House of Representatives for passing two of ONS's priority bills, the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act and the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2019. Work continues in the US Senate to secure similar bipartisan support for this important legislation. It is critical that oncology nurses lend their voice to the efforts to help make this bill become law.

ONS Joins Coalition Partners in Support of Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act (H.R. 2339)
October 16, 2019

ONS writes in support of prohibiting menthol cigarettes, which is a key part of H.R. 2339. There is overwhelming scientific evidence that menthol cigarettes have had a profound adverse effect on public health. Removing them from the market would drive down tobacco use and the death and disease it causes, particularly among youth and African Americans.

ONS Provides Comments on Tobacco Products and Required Warnings for Cigarette Packages and Advertisements
October 15, 2019

ONS joins coalition partners in public health organizations in submitting comments in response to FDA’s proposed rule to establish new required health warnings for cigarette packages and advertisements.

ONS Provides Feedback to CMS on Questions Including Acute and Chronic Pain
October 11, 2019

ONS submits feedback to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on the Request for Information for the development of an action plan to prevent opioid addiction and enhance access to medication-assisted treatment.

ONS Submits Comments to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on Proposed Rules
September 27, 2019

ONS provides comments to the CMS on the physician fee schedule rule-making. 

ONS Submits Comments Representing Patient Impact of the "Laboratory Date of Service Policy" 
September 27, 2019

ONS joins coalition partners in alerting the US Congress about lung cancer awareness. As health care providers, ONS appreciates the opportunity to submit comments representing patient impact of the “Laboratory Date of Service Policy”(DOS) in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (HOPPS).

ONS Signs Letter Urging the Support for Stopping Appealing Flavors in E-Cigarettes for Kids Act (SAFE Kids Act)
September 9, 2019

ONS joins coalition partners in support of legislation promoting efforts to prevent youth smoking. Tobacco companies are marketing products in a wide array of flavors and risking the decades-long progress the nation has made in reducing youth tobacco use. By curbing use of flavors, the SAFE Kids Act will help prevent many kids from starting down a path that leads to addiction and tobacco-caused disease and death.

ONS Signs Letter in Opposition to H.R. 1854, Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act
ONS Signs Letter Urging the Opposition to S.9, Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act
September 16, 2019

ONS joins coalition partners in support of legislation promoting efforts to prevent youth smoking. Both H.R. 1854 and S. 9 would undermine the science-based process created by the TCA for determining the appropriate level of oversight of tobacco products. 

Support for H.R. 4078, to reauthorize the Young Women’s Breast Health Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young Act
September 3, 2019

ONS writes to thank the US Congress for sponsoring legislation to reauthorize and increase funding for the Breast Cancer Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young (EARLY) Act. This bill will allow for the continuation of vital work to educate young women and certain women at higher risk of breast cancer about their breast health.

ONS Signs Letter in Support of the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act
July 10, 2019

ONS joins PQLC in writing to the US Senate to express our support for the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act (PCHETA). This bipartisan legislation will make a difference in the lives of millions of patients living with serious or life-threatening illness and their caregivers.

ONS Signs Letter in Support to Raise the Legal Age for Sale of Tobacco Products
June 20, 2019

ONS joins coalition in expressing strong support for raising the legal age for sale of tobacco products to 21 and to share views on two bipartisan bills recently introduced in the Senate. The groups commend the US Senate for introducing the Tobacco to 21 Act (S. 1258) and for introducing the Tobacco-Free Youth Act.

ONS President Writes to Senator Carter in Support for H.R. 1948, the Lymphedema Treatment Act
ONS President Writes to Senator Shakowsky in Support for H.R. 1948, the Lymphedema Treatment Act
June 11, 2019

ONS President, Laura Fennimore, submits letters to Senators Carter and Shakowsky on behalf of ONS to thank them for sponsoring H.R. 1948, the Lymphedema Treatment Act. This bill will improve insurance coverage for compression supplies that are the cornerstone of lymphedema treatment.

ONS Signs Letter in Support of Tobacco to 21 Act and the Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act 
June 3, 2019

ONS joins coalition partners in support for the Tobacco to 21 Act (H.R. 2411) and the Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act (H.R. 2339), both of which would raise the legal age for sale of tobacco products to 21. Raising the tobacco sale age to 21 is an important part of a comprehensive strategy that is needed to prevent young people from starting down a path that often leads to addiction, disease, and premature death. These bills are carefully drafted to ensure that they can be implemented quickly and effectively, and do not contain special interest provisions.

ONS Expresses Strong Support for H.R. 2339, the Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019
May 16, 2019

ONS joins organizations in writing to Chariman Pallone and Representative Shalala to express support for H.R. 2339, the Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019. This legislation will address the current youth e-cigarette epidemic that is threatening to undermine the progress that has been made in reducing youth cigarette use and also reduce youth use of other tobacco products. The bill’s comprehensive approach to reducing tobacco use will protect public health and save lives.

ONS Joins The Patient Quality of Life Coalition (PQLC) to Offer Comments Regarding the Draft Report on Pain Management Best Practices
April 1, 2019

ONS joins coalition in supporting the work of the Pain Management Best Practices Inter-Agency Task Force (Task Force), and many of the recommendations in the draft report. Particularly the introductory statement establishing a framework focusing on balanced pain management as a biopsychosocial model of care; individualized, patient-centered care; and a multidisciplinary approach to pain management that includes medications and other treatments.

ONS Joins Coalition in Recommending that Congress Provide Funding for HRSA's Discretionary Budget Authority in FY2020
March 15, 2019

ONS joins coalition partners in urging Congress to provide $8.56 billion for discretionary Health Resources and Services Administration programs in the FY 2020 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies appropriations bill.

ONS Joins in Letter to House of Representatives Urging to Approve Authorized Level of User Fees for the FDA to Oversee Tobacco Products
ONS Joins in Letter to US Senate Urging to to Approve Authorized Level of User Fees for the FDA to Oversee Tobacco Products
March 14, 2019

ONS urges Congress to approve the authorized level of user fees for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to oversee tobacco products.These user fees will give FDA the resources it needs to protect kids and reduce the serious health and economic harms that tobacco products cause.

ONS Joins in Letter to US House of Representatives Urging to Increase Funding for the CDC Office on Smoking and Health (OSH)
ONS Joins in Letter to US Senate Urging to Increase Funding for the CDC Office on Smoking and Health (OSH)
March 14, 2019

ONS joins coalition partners in urging Congress to increase funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Office on Smoking and Health (OSH) by $100 million, for a total of $310 million. This increase is needed to respond to soaring e-cigarette usage rates among youth and the devastating toll that tobacco continues to take on our nation’s health.

ONS Responds to Chairman Alexander and the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Request
March 1, 2019

ONS joins Patient Quality of Life Coalition (PQLC), in commending the Senate Health Education Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee’s effort to seek multi-stakeholder input on ways to help address America’s rising health care costs.

ONS President Writes to Senator Cantwell in Support for S. 518, the Lymphedema Treatment Act
ONS President Writes to Senator Todd in Support for S. 518, the Lymphedema Treatment Act
March 1, 2019

ONS President, Laura Fennimore, submits letters to Senators Cantwell and Todd on behalf of ONS to thank them for sponsoring S. 518, the Lymphedema Treatment Act. This bill will improve insurance coverage for compression supplies that are the cornerstone of lymphedema treatment.

ONS Writes Letter of Condolence on Passing of Congressman Walter Jones
March 1, 2019

ONS writes in condolence on the passing of Congressman Walter Jones. Representative Jones was a steadfast supporter of the oncology nursing profession and the cancer patients we serve.

ONS Supports HR 913 Clinical Treatment Act
February 15, 2019

ONS signs letter supporting HR 913 Clinical Treatment Act, which would require Medicare to pay for the routine costs of clinical trials for patients with cancer.

ONS Joins NCC in Letter of Support of Children Impacted by Immigration
February 7, 2019

ONS joins in Nursing Community Coalition letter to Reps Degette and Guthrie in support of the Subcommittee’s work to examine and ensure the health and wellness of immigrant children.

ONS Sends Welcome Letters to New Members of US House
February 2, 2019

ONS writes letters to welcome freshman House Members to Washington, D.C. and offer future collaboration to advance quality health care policy in the 116th Congress.

ONS Joins in Letter Expressing Concern for CMS Proposed Changes to the Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes
January 25, 2019

ONS joins ACSCAN and partners in letter expressing concerns with the CMS proposed changes to the Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy.

ONS Joins in Providing Comments on the Medicare Part C and D Proposed Rule
January 25, 2019

ONS joins coalition partners in response to the Medicare Part C and D proposed rule and urge the Department of Health and Human Services to not finalize the Part D six protected classes policy changes in the proposed rule as the changes could result in cost-shifting to beneficiaries and could jeopardize vulnerable beneficiaries’ access to medically-necessary prescription drugs.

2018

ONS Writes in Support for S. 3701, Smoke-Free Schools Act of 2018
December 17, 2018

ONS submits letter thanking Senator Orinn Hatch for introducing S. 3701, the Smoke-Free Schools Act of 2018. This important legislation would help educate children about the dangers of e-cigarettes and other electronic nicotine delivery systems.

ONS Joins in Commenting on US-Japan Free Trade and Investment Agreement
November 26, 2018

ONS submits comments to the Chair of the Trade Policy Staff Committee in preparation of the negotiation of the free trade and investment agreement with Japan to ensure that the agreement provides the protections necessary to enable both countries to adopt public health measures to protect their citizens from the death and disease caused by tobacco products without facing the risk of litigation by the tobacco companies.

ONS Joins One Voice Against Cancer Coalition in Thanking Congress for Providing Increased Funding for Federal Cancer Research and Cancer Control Programs
October 5, 2018

ONS joins coalition partners in thanking the US Congress for providing increased funding for federal cancer research and cancer control programs at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) within H.R. 6157 the Fiscal Year 2019 Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations bill.

ONS Joins Coalition in Asking Congress to Strengthen FDA Oversight of Tobacco Products
September 11, 2018

ONS joins coalition partners in urging Congress to strengthen FDA oversight of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and cigars through the annual federal appropriations process.

ONS Provides Perspective to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid’s Proposed Policies under MPFS and QPP
ONS Joins Patient Quality of Life Coalition on Revisions to Payment Policies Under MPFS and QPP
September 10, 2018

ONS comments to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid on the proposed Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and Quality Payment Program rule for 2019. Additionally, ONS signs onto support comments by the Patient Quality of Life Coalition.

ONS Joins Coalition in Support of the Senate’s Recommended Levels for Nursing Workforce Development Programs
September 7, 2018

ONS joins Nursing Community Coalition in a letter to the US Senate on recommended levels of $249.472 million for the Nursing Workforce Development programs for the National Institute of Nursing Research.

ONS Signs Letter in Supporting Opioid Legislation
September 4, 2018

ONS joins in signing a letter to support a Senate bill, the "Opioid Addiction Plan Act" to engage stakeholders on pain and addiction issues to address the opioid crisis.

ONS Joins Coalition Partner in Welcoming the New Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
August 30, 2018

ONS looks forward to working with the new Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and welcome the opportunity to meet and discuss shared goals.

ONS Thanks U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Secretary on Bringing Attention to Scope of Practice Laws
August 29, 2018

ONS joins coalition partner in applauding Secretary Azar’s August 9, 2018 remarks underscoring the need to ensure that scope of practice laws do not act as barriers to healthcare competition and lower-cost market solutions.

ONS Joins Coalition Partner in Encouraging the Inclusion of Section 3003 of H.R. 6
August 24, 2018

ONS signs letter to urge the inclusion of Section 3003, Allowing for More Flexibility with Respect to Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorders, of the House-passed SUPPORT for Families and Communities Act (H.R. 6), in any final Senate opioid package.

ONS Joins Coalition Partner in Thanking US Senate on Amendment to Increase Funding for Nursing Workforce Development Programs
August 24, 2018

ONS signs onto letter thanking the US Senate for offering the amendment to increase funding for the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs by $17 million in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education (LHHS-ED) and Defense spending package (HR. 6157).

ONS Writes to Secretary Azar to support CMS Palliative Care Models
August 6, 2018

ONS encourages the support of two palliative care models and offers to serve as a resource in their development.

ONS Encourages Senate HELP Committee Leadership to Advance PCHETA Palliative Care Legislation in the Senate
July 26, 2018

ONS writes in support of S. 693, the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Treatment Act (“PCHETA”), legislation to ensure a well-trained palliative care workforce to meet the needs of patients with serious illness, including cancer.

ONS Urges the Senate HELP Committee to Favorably Advance the Breast Density and Mammography Reporting Act
July 26, 2018

ONS writes in support of S. 2006, the Breast Density and Mammography Reporting Act, which would ensure that mammography patients are notified of breast tissue density and given opportunity to discuss with their provider whether additional screening is appropriate.

ONS Supports Coalition Work for Title VIII Funding
July 23, 2018

ONS joins coalition partner, The Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) in commending the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Act of 2017 (H.R. 959). This action shows direct support for the fundamental connection between building the nursing workforce capacity and our nation’s health.

ONS Submits Comments Regarding the Regulation by FDA of Flavored Tobacco Products
July 19, 2018

ONS signs letter to provide comments regarding docket no. FDA-2017-N-6565 on the regulation of flavors in tobacco products. When Congress enacted the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, it prohibited the use of characterizing flavors, other than menthol, in cigarettes because Congress concluded that flavors in cigarettes made the products appealing to adolescents.

ONS Joins HPNEC Coalition Letter on FY 2019 Appropriations
July 18, 2018

ONS signs HPNEC Coalition letter to House and Senate Appropriations Committees seeking increased funding for TItle VIII nursing workforce development programs.

ONS Provides Perspective on FDA's Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM)
July 16, 2018

ONS submits comments to FDA's notice of proposed rulemaking on the Tobacco Standard for nicotine in combusted cigarettes.

ONS Comments on HHS Blueprint/ RFI to Lower Drug Prices and Reduce Out of Pocket Costs
July 16, 2018

ONS provides comments on issues and questions raised in “American Patients First,” the HHS Blueprint and RFI to lower drugs prices and reduce out of pocket costs for Americans.

ONS Comments to FDA on Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Premium Cigars
July 16, 2018

ONS provides perspective on the FDA’s advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) to obtain information about patterns of use as well as the public health impacts of premium cigars to inform FDA regulation.

ONS Signs Coalition Letter on Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products After Implementation of FDA Product Standard
July 16, 2018

ONS joins in submitting comments regarding docket 83 Fed. Reg. 11754 (March 16, 2018). The Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) has published and sought comments on a draft paper entitled Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products after Implementation of an FDA Product Standard.

ONS Comments on Tobacco Product Standard for Nicotine Level of Combusted Cigarettes
July 16, 2018

ONS submits comments to Docket No. FDA-2017-N-6189 regarding the FDA’s Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) on a Tobacco Product Standard for Nicotine Level of Combusted Cigarettes.

ONS Joins NCC in Letter to Honor Dr. Patricia A. Grady on Her Retirement
July 9, 2018

ONS, along with the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC), thanks Dr. Patricia A. Grady for her leadership of the National Institute of Nursing Research for the past 23 years. Her commitment to elevating nursing research has inspired the coalition and member organizations. The advancements in science funded by NINR, under her direction, has led to an explosion in nursing practice advancements.

ONS Joins NCC in Letter to Members of Congress in Support of H.R. 6
July 9, 2018

ONS, along with 45 other organizations representing the NCC, thanks Representatives Tonko and Luján for their efforts to successfully include Section 303, Allowing for More Flexibility with Respect to Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorders, in the SUPPORT for Families and Communities Act (H.R. 6).

ONS Signs onto letter to HHS Secretary to Implement RAISE Caregiver Act
June 28, 2018

ONS joined a number of organizations in supporting caregiver legislation, which the President enacted. This letter encourages its implementation by HHS.

ONS Signs onto Letter to HHS Secretary Azar Supporting Implementation of RAISE Caregiver Act
June 28, 2018

ONS joins with other organizations in encouraging the immediate and effective implementation of the Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, and Engage (RAISE) Family Caregivers Act (P.L. 115-119) to help better recognize and support our country’s family caregivers.

ONS Joins NCC to Request Immediate Action to Protect the Health of Immigrant Children
June 19, 2018

ONS, along with the Nursing Community Coalition, sends a letter to the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security requesting immediate action be taken to address the issue and healthcare concern of immigrant children being separated from their parent's at our nation's borders.

ONS Encourages the Consideration of Opioid Bills Impacting Oncology Nurses and Patients with Cancer
June 19, 2018

ONS urges the support of house committee health leaders on opioid bills as they continue deliberations on opioid legislation.

ONS Signs Letter to Support Funding for Nursing Workforce Development Programs in 2019
June 1, 2018

ONS joins coalition partner, NCC, commending the US Congress’ investment to nursing education and research in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 Consolidated Appropriations Act [P.L.115-141]. To continue the forward progress this will enact, the organizations request $266 million for the Nursing Workforce Development
Programs, administered by HRSA, and $170 million for the National Institute of Nursing Research in FY 2019.

ONS Urges Oversight of Tobacco Products
May 23, 2018

ONS along with the undersigned public health and medical organizations write in strong support of your initiative to move toward a product standard to reduce the nicotine level in cigarettes to non-addictive or minimally addictive levels.

ONS Signs Nicotine Product Standard Letter
May 21, 2018

ONS thanks Representative John Larson for his comments during the May 16th House Ways and Means Committee’s markup of the opioid legislation, HR 5773, Preventing Addiction for Susceptible Seniors (PASS) Act.

ONS President Writes to Vanila M Singh, M.D., Chief Medical Officer
May 10, 2018

ONS encourages Congress to enact legislation in 2018 to modernize the statutory oversight of clinical laboratory diagnostics.

ONS Signs Letter Encouraging Diagnostics Reform
May 9, 2018

ONS joins nursing coalition partners, on behalf of the 59 organizations comprising the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC), to express continued commitment to the health of the nation in honor of National Nurses Week.

NCC House FY 2019 Appropriations Request 1 of 2
NCC House FY 2019 Appropriations Request 2 of 2
April 12, 2018

ONS, along with the Nursing Community coalition, urges the Committee to use provider-neutral language and incorporate all APRN roles in The Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018 as a way to expand access to care for patients suffering from opioid addictions. Opioid use and dependence are growing public health threats, despite the many actions put in place to try to end this crisis. Every day, approximately 115 people die from opioid overdose; APRNs are critical agents in treating these patients and are sometimes the sole providers of this care in regions that struggle to recruit and retain providers.

ONS Joins NCC in Urging the Use of Provider-Neutral Language
April 11, 2018

On behalf of the 40 undersigned organizations, the Nursing Community Coalition offers the following comments in response to the draft legislation, The Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018.

NCC Comments on Opioid Crisis Response Act
April 11, 2018

ONS and other organizations join together in support of coverage of genetic testing for susceptibility to breast and ovarian cancer.

ONS Joins NCC in Urging the Use of Provider-Neutral Language
April 11, 2018

On behalf of the 40 undersigned organizations, the Nursing Community Coalition offers the following comments in response to the draft legislation, The Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018.

ONS Joins Together to Urge Coverage for Genetic Testing in High-Risk Individuals
March 23, 2018

ONS joins the Nursing Community Coalition in applauding the increased investments to nursing education and research proposed in the Consolidated Appropriations Act would finalize federal funding for Fiscal Year (FY) 2018. This spending proposal takes great strides to invest in programs that drive the profession’s growth in workforce and science.

ONS Thanks Congress for Gun Violence Research Act
March 22, 2018

ONS sends a letter of support to the Honorable Mark DeSaulnier for his bill HR 5160 to improve communications between patients with cancer and their providers.

ONS Thanks Rep. DeSaulnier for His Support of the Cancer Care Planning and Communications Act
March 19, 2018

ONS President writes on behalf of the organization to thank the Honorable Debbie Dingell for introducing H.Res. 721, expressing support for the designation of February 4, 2018, as National Cancer Prevention Day.

ONS Supports the Designation of Nation Cancer Prevention Day
February 13, 2018

ONS joins the Nursing Community Coalition in opposing any reduction in funding for Title VIII programs, which provide vital resources to help meet the nation’s demand for nurses, especially in rural and underserved areas, by offering funding to further the education, practice, recruitment, and retention of our nursing workforce.

ONS Expresses Concern Over Proposed Cuts to Nursing in President’s Budget
February 13, 2018

ONS writes to express strong opposition to S.204, the Trickett Wendler, Frank Mongiello, Jordan McLinn, and Matthew Bellina Right to Try Act of 2017, as well as H.R.878, the Right to Try Act of 2017. ONS urges Senate leaders to discuss alternative legislative proposals that would improve the ability of patients to genuinely and safely access unapproved therapies.

ONS Seeks Technical Correction to Ensure Patient Access: Part 1
ONS Seeks Technical Correction to Ensure Patient Access: Part 2
January 18, 2018

ONS writes to strongly urge Congress to fund each of the Nursing Workforce Development programs, authorized under Title VIII of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 296 et seq.). In addition, ONS requests at least $155.210 million for the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), within the National Institutes of Health.

ONS Encourages Nursing Workforce Development Funding
January 3, 2018

ONS, as part of the Patient Quality of Life Coalition (PQLC), offers comments regarding questions relevant to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) new Opioid Policy
Steering Committee. The PQLC was established to advance the interests of patients and families facing serious illness.

2017

ONS Comments on Questions Regarding New Opioid Policy Steering Committee
December 28, 2017

ONS, as part of the Patient Quality of Life Coalition, expresses support for H.R. 3759, the Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, and Engage (RAISE) Family Caregivers Act. This bipartisan legislation, which has already passed the Senate, will make a difference in the lives of millions of patients living with serious or life-threatening illness and their caregivers.

ONS President Writes to Express Thanks for Bipartisan Support
December 13, 2017

ONS encourages Congress to enact legislation to classify biosimilars as "applicable drugs" in the Coverage Gap Discount Program, requiring biosimilar manufacturers to pay the 50% discounts paid by the brand competitiors and creating a level playing field to compete for placement on Part D plan formularies.

ONS Supports a Sustainable Market for FDA-Approved Biosimilars
December 13, 2017

ONS comments on the new direction for Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' Innovation Center, or CMMI, and the proposed guiding principles for evaluating, developing, and testing new value-based models for payment and delivery of care.

ONS Responds to Senate Finance Committee's Call for Comments
May 23, 2017

ONS congratulates George Sigounas, PhD, MS on his appointment as Administrator for the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). We look forward to working with Dr. Sigounas and his staff as he leads an agency that is vital to ensuring healthcare services reach those who live in America’s most rural and underserved areas.

ONS Congratulates HRSA Administrator on Appointment
May 23, 2017

ONS writes Representative Debbie Wasserman Shultz in support of H.R. 2307, the Protect Access to Lifesaving Screenings (PALS) Act. This legislation would help eliminate barriers for patients seeking access to early intervention and life-saving mammography screenings.

ONS Supports PALS Act
May 23, 2017

ONS expresses concern that the administration appears to be taking steps to reconsider the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) “deeming rule” extending the agency’s regulatory jurisdiction to electronic cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products not previously regulated and is delaying implementation of important provisions of the rule to the detriment of public health.

ONS Expresses Concern over FDA "Deeming Rule" 
May 17, 2017

ONS congratulates Scott Gottlieb, MD, on his recent confirmation as Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). His considerable experience as a medical policy expert and a public health advocate make him uniquely qualified to protect the FDA’s gold standard for safety while advancing innovative solutions for the healthcare challenges currently facing the nation.

ONS Congratulates FDA Commissioner on Confirmation
May 15, 2017

ONS congratulates Gopal Khanna, MBA, on his recent appointment to Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Under his leadership, the Agency is well positioned to use data-driven strategies and evidence to improve both organizational performance and the nation’s health and health care.

ONS Congratulates AHRQ Director on Appointment
May 12, 2017

ONS supports H.R. 1662, which would make facilities of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) smoke-free. Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States and exposure to secondhand smoke has a significant impact on Americans’ health.

ONS Supports Smoke-Free Measure for VHA Facilities
May 11, 2017

ONS and other organizations urge Congress to increase the fiscal year (FY) 2018 302(b) subcommittee allocation for healthcare programs and services. The activities administered by the departments and agencies under Labor-HHS’s jurisdiction serve a broad range of constituencies and needs, but they all share a common, fundamental goal of strengthening this nation by improving Americans’ lives. The federal government must invest sufficient funding to meet that goal.

ONS Supports Funding of 302(b) Labor-HHS Subcommittee
May 8, 2017

ONS and other members of the Nursing Community respectfully request $244 million for the Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) Nursing Workforce Development programs (authorized under Title VIII of the Public Health Service Act [42 U.S.C. 296 et seq.]) and $160 million for the National Institute of Nursing Research, one of the 27 Institutes and Centers within the National Institutes of Health as they work to complete their FY 2018 appropriations bill.

ONS Supports Request for Funds for Cancer Programs 
April 21, 2017

ONS thanks U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee for introducing H.R. 1984, the Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Research and Education Act. 

ONS Thanks U.S. Rep for Introducing Cancer Act
April 20, 2017

ONS thanks senators and representatives for introducing H.R. 930 and S. 497, the Lymphedema Treatment Act. This act will improve insurance coverage for the doctor-prescribed compression supplies that are the cornerstone of lymphedema treatment.

ONS Thanks Senators for Introducing Lymphedema Treatment Act
ONS Thanks Representatives for Introducing Lymphedema Treatment Act
April 13, 2017

ONS and other nursing organizations reiterate our request to the Subcommittee on Labor-HHS-Education, Appropriations Committee, to support $244 million for the Nursing Workforce Development programs (Title VIII of the Public Health Service Act [42 U.S.C. 296 et seq.]) and $157 million for the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR, National Institutes of Health) in 2017.

ONS Reiterates Request for Title VIII and NINR Funding
April 10, 2017

ONS thanks Cathy McMorris Rodgers, U.S. House of Representatives, for introducing H.R. 1834, the Cancer Care Payment Reform Act. This legislation would establish a national Oncology Medical Home Demonstration Project under the Medicare program for the purpose of changing the Medicare payment for cancer care in order to enhance the quality of care and to improve cost efficiency.

ONS Thanks U.S. Rep for Introducing Cancer Act
April 7, 2017

ONS and members of the Friends of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) respectfully request $364 million in budget authority from Congress as they draft the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies appropriations legislation for 2018. This will demonstrate Congress' continued commitment not just to produce discoveries, but to produce science that translates medical progress into better care for patients today.

ONS Submits Letter of Support for New ICD-10 CM Code
April 7, 2017

ONS and other healthcare organizations express concerns to the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) chairman that changes to the way Medicare pays for Part B medicines could make it more challenging for physicians to offer medicines typically administered in their offices and affect seniors’ access to quality care. We stand with physicians, patients, and healthcare stakeholders, and urge the commission to oppose policies that would compromise access to care under Medicare Part B.

ONS Supports Funding of AHRQ (Letter to House of Representatives)
ONS Supports Funding of AHRQ (Letter to Senate)
April 5, 2017

ONS supports the creation of a new ICD-10-CM code for breakthrough cancer pan (BTCP), introduced on March 7-8, 2017, at a ICD-10 Coordination and Maintenance Committee Meeting, convened by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics. The new BTCP code will help reduce barriers to health economic outcomes and epidemiologic research that are currently constrained by the absence of a code.

ONS Expresses Concern About Proposed Medicare Changes
April 3, 2017

ONS and Friends of the Health Resources and Services Administration recommend providing $7.48 billion for discretionary Health Resources and Services Administration programs in the FY 2018 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies appropriations bill

ONS Asks Congress to Provide Funds for Health Bills
March 30, 2017

ONS thanks Senator Patty Murray, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and Senator Tammy Baldwin for introducing S. 689, the Invest in Women’s Health Act. S. 689, which will increase the availability of life-saving cancer screenings, placing an emphasis on those populations most at risk through the creation of new grants to expand access to preventive screenings, ensuring the availability of up to date research, and training for new providers and for the treatment of low-income and women of color.

ONS Thanks Senators for Introducing Invest in Women's Health Act
March 27, 2017

ONS, others strongly oppose H.R. 1136, the FDA Deeming Authority Clarification Act of 2017, which would exempt e-cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products from an important product review designed to protect public health.

ONS Opposes FDA Deeming Authority Clarification Act of 2017
March 27, 2017

ONS and other organizations dedicated to harnessing every resource – scientific, medical, financial and educational – to fight against the scourge of cancer that threatens the lives and health of Americans, write Congress to oppose the repeal of the indoor tanning tax in the American Health Care Act (AHCA)

ONS Opposes Repeal of Indoor Tanning Tax in AHCA
March 23, 2017

ONS, along with other organizations, expressed their support to Congress for H.R. 1676, the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act (PCHETA). This bipartisan legislation will make a difference in the lives of millions of patients living with serious or life threatening illness and their caregivers.

ONS Expresses Support of PCHETA to the Senate
ONS Expresses Support of PCHETA to the House of Representatives
March 23, 2017

ONS asks Representative Virginia Foxx (VA) to provide better clarity regarding the intent and purpose of H.R. 1313, the Preserving Employee Wellness Programs Act. It is our understanding that this legislation would allow employers to offer a substantial health insurance premium discount to workers who take part in company wellness programs that may include submitting to health risk assessments. Further, it is our understanding that those health risk assessments may also include genetic testing. ONS opposes employer coercion of employees to share genetic information and use of that information to discriminate against employees.

ONS Requests Clarification of Preserving Employee Wellness Programs Act
March 23, 2017

ONS and other nursing organizations, collectively the Nursing Community, respectfully request $244 million from the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies for the HRSA Nursing Workforce Development programs (authorized under Title VIII of the Public Health Service Act [42 U.S.C. 296 et seq.]) and $160 million for the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), one of the 27 Institutes and Centers within the NIH.

ONS and Other Nursing Organizations Request Funding for Healthcare Programs
March 17, 2017

ONS and other nursing organizations, collectively the Nursing Community coalition, would like to congratulate Seema Verma on confirmation as Administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). We look forward to working with you and your staff as you take the helm of an agency so vital to millions of Americans.

ONS and Other Nursing Organizations Congratulate New CMS Administrator
March 17, 2017

ONS and other nursing organizations, collectively the Nursing Community, respectfully request $244 million from the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies for the HRSA Nursing Workforce Development programs (authorized under Title VIII of the Public Health Service Act [42 U.S.C. 296 et seq.]) and $160 million for the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), one of the 27 Institutes and Centers within the NIH.

ONS and Other Nursing Organizations Request Funding for Healthcare Programs
March 16, 2017

ONS encourages congressional leaders to maintain key principles as they work to replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA), including ensuring access to high-quality and low-cost insurance options, maintaining protections for pre-existing conditions, and accelerating the development of innovative cancer care delivery and payment models that improve access to and the provision of quality cancer care and treatment. 

ONS Asks Congress to Retain Specific Measures of ACA
March 10, 2017

ONS thanks U.S. Representative Leonard Lance for introducing H.R. 1409, the Cancer Drug Coverage Parity Act. H.R. 1409 would require health insurance plans that cover traditional chemotherapy provide equally favorable coverage for orally administered anticancer medications.

ONS Supports Legislation for Oral Chemotherapy Insurace Coverage
March 10, 2017

For fiscal year (FY) 2018, ONS and other nursing organizations, collectively the Nursing Community, respectfully request $244 million for the HRSA Nursing Workforce Development programs (authorized under Title VIII of the Public Health Service Act [42 U.S.C. 296 et seq.]) and $160 million for the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), one of the 27 Institutes and Centers within the NIH.

ONS and Other Nursing Organizations Ask Congress for Funding
March 8, 2017

ONS and the Nursing Community coalition look forward to work with Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) David Shulkin to improve veterans’ health by collaborating to support the education, practice, research, and regulation of registered nurses (RNs) and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs).

ONS to Work With VA Secretary to Improve VA Health
March 6, 2017

ONS writes members of Congress to express support of H.R. 1231 and S. 456, the Research to Accelerate Cures and Equity (RACE) for Children Act. This legislation would establish a program to increase the development of new drugs to treat pediatric cancers.

ONS Asks US Rep to Support RACE for Children Act
ONS Asks US Senator to Support RACE for Children Act
March 3, 2017

ONS expressed strong opposition to H.R. 564 S. 294 and any appropriations policy riders that would exempt some cigars, including flavored cigars, from regulation under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (TCA). The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) should retain oversight authority over all tobacco products, including all cigars.

ONS Supports FDA Authority Over Tobacco Products in Coalition Letter 
February 16, 2017

ONS joins coalition in writing to express strong opposition to S. 294 and any appropriations policy riders that would exempt some cigars, including flavored cigars, from regulation under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (TCA).

ONS Expresses Strong Opposition to H.R. 564
ONS Expresses Strong Opposition to S. 294
February 15, 2017

ONS pledges to work with Tom Price, secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), to thoughtfully assess where change is needed and preserve critical advancements made in recent years to improve our healthcare system.

ONS Asks to Work With HHS Secretary to Improve Healthcare System
February 15, 2017

ONS thanks US Representative Debbie Dingell for introducing H.Res. 84, expressing support for the designation of February 4, 2017, as National Cancer Prevention Day.

ONS Thanks US Rep for Support of National Cancer Prevention Day
February 13, 2017

ONS urges US Representative Dave Joyce to support H.R. 959, the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act. This bill would reauthorize, update, and improve the Nursing Workforce Development Programs that help to grow and support the nation’s nursing workforce.

ONS Urges US Rep to Support Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act
February 13, 2017

ONS urges US Representative Michael McCaul and US Senator Jack Reed to support H.R. 820, the Childhood Cancer Survivorship, Treatment, Access, and Research (STAR) Act of 2017. This legislation would improve efforts to identify and track childhood cancer incidences, improve the quality of life for childhood cancer survivors, ensure pediatric expertise at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and identify opportunities to expand childhood cancer research in order to better treat the 10,380 children diagnosed with cancer in the U.S. every year.

ONS Urges US Rep to Support of STAR Act of 2017
ONS Urges US Senator to Support STAR Act of 2017
February 13, 2017

ONS and a coalition of organizations ask Congress to work with us to develop policies that will ensure individuals with pre-existing conditions and high-cost care needs have access to a robust health insurance market that provides affordable and comprehensive coverage options.

ONS Asks H of R to Develop Policies to Cover Patients With Pre-Existing Conditions
ONS Asks Senate to Develop Policies to Cover Patients With Pre-Existing Conditions
February 7, 2017

ONS thanks Representative Steve Knight for introducing H.Res. 69, expressing support for the designation of the May 17 as “DIPG Awareness Day.” H.Res. 69 raises awareness and encourages research into cures for diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPG) and pediatric cancers in general.

ONS Thanks Representative for DIPG Awareness Day Legislation
February 1, 2017

In an effort to work closely with the leadership and committees of jurisdiction during this time of health reform, ONS, as part of the Nursing Community, shared priorities with Congress leaders that highlight areas of consensus regarding access, affordability, and quality.

ONS Shares Priorities With Congress Leaders
January 27, 2017

ONS urges Congress leaders to make updating the oversight framework for all molecular diagnostic tests, including laboratory developed tests (LDTs), a priority early in the 115th Congress. We also believe strongly that the Food and Drug Administration should play a critical role in a modernized framework that supports patient safety and access to valid tests.

ONS Requests US HR to Make Issues Top Priorities
ONS Requests Senete to Make Issues Top Priorities
January 24, 2017

ONS, along with The Nursing Community, urges Congress leaders to include our community in decision making. We are available to comment, shape, and evaluate proposals as they are drafted. As a bipartisan coalition, we will engage with all members of Congress to share our expertise. We strongly urge Congress leadership to continue to consider all viewpoints.

ONS Urges Congress for Inclusion in Decision Making
January 19, 2017

ONS thanks the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and urges continued action for the final rule published by the VA on December 14, 2016, (Federal Register Document Number 2016-12338, RIN 2900-AP44), regarding advanced practice registered nurses' clinical practice within the Veterans Health Administration.

ONS Thanks VA and Urges Continued Action Regarding APRNs
January 13, 2017

ONS and the entire Nursing Community Coalition congratulates U.S. Senators and Representatives on their successful election and look forward to collaborating with them in the 115th Congress.

ONS Congratulates U.S. Senators on Their Election
ONS Congratulates U.S. Representatives on Their Election
January 13, 2017

ONS asks governmental agencies to issue a new tri-agency frequently asked questions (FAQs) concerning a comprehensive tobacco cessation benefit to reflect a 2015 updated USPSTF recommendation.

2016

ONS Requests Updated FAQs Regarding Tobacco Cessation
December 12, 2016

Earlier this year, ONS urged the U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to adopt a measure implementing the proposed rule published in the Federal Register on November 17, 2015 (Docket No. FR-5597-P-02) on instituting smoke-free public housing. Today, HUD released a final smoke-free public housing rule that requires all public housing to be smokefree in 18 months. 

ONS Urges HUD to Make Public Housing Smoke-Free
December 7, 2016

ONS thanks Representative Michael McCaul for his support of H.R. 3381, the Childhood Cancer Survivorship, Treatment, Access, and Research (STAR) Act of 2016. The legislation would improve efforts to identify and track childhood cancer incidences, improve the quality of life for childhood cancer survivors, ensure publicly accessible expanded access policies, and identify opportunities to expand the research of thereapeutics necessary to treat the 15,780 children diagnosed with cancer in the U.S. every year. 

ONS Thanks Rep McCaul for Support of the STAR Act
December 6, 2016

ONS thanks the US House of Representatives for their vote in support of the passage for the 21st Century Cures Act. This critical legislation has the potential to greatly improve the discovery, development, and delivery of cancer treatments in this country and will support continued innovation in our health care system.

ONS Thanks U.S HR for Passage of 21st Century Cures Act
December 1, 2016

ONS joins coalition partners urging lawmakers to oppose inclusion of two policy riders originally included in the House Appropriations Committee’s Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies appropriations bill that would weaken FDA’s authority to oversee tobacco products.

ONS Urges Congress Leadership to Oppose Riders in Tobacco Bill
ONS Urges Appropriations Committee to Oppose Riders in Tobacco Bill
November 16, 2016

ONS joins the OVAC coalition urging the US Congress to support the National Cancer Moonshot Initiative by taking up and passing the 21st Century Cures Act. We believe the Moonshot Initiative objective of making a decade’s worth of life saving scientific progress in the next five years can most likely be achieved by Congress promptly assuring essential funding of it by enactment of the 21st Century Cures Act in 2016.

ONS Urges Congress to Pass the 21st Century Cures Act
November 3, 2016

ONS joins coalition members of the Friends of HRSA and other supporting organizations to urge the US Congress to support a request of $7.48 billion for discretionary Health Resources and Services Administration programs in the final FY 2017 spending agreement. We also urge the restoring of the funding cuts to the HRSA programs that were included in the bills passed by the House and Senate Appropriations Committees. Additionally, we ask you to reject the inclusion of any controversial policy riders that would threaten public health.

ONS Urges the Senate to Support Funds for Health Programs
ONS Urges the House of Representatives to Support Funds for Health Programs
October 18, 2016

ONS joins 55 organizations encouraging the House and Senate Appropriations leadership to provide the FY 2016 funding levels for Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)’s Title VII health professions and Title VIII nursing workforce development programs, including the Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP), in the final FY 2017 Labor-H appropriations bill.

ONS Backs Request of Funds for Programs
October 14, 2016

ONS provides feedback to the proposed collection, National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) and support efforts to collect data that would promote early detection.

ONS Provides Feedback to the Proposed Collection, NBCCEDP
October 11, 2016

ONS writes US Representative Steve Israel (D-NY) to thank him for re-introducing the signature legislation, the “Improving Cancer Treatment Education Act” (H.R. 6084). This important legislation requests one-hour reimbursement through Medicare for symptom management education provided by an oncology nurse. The bill recognizes that patients with cancer benefit from an educational session in advance of treatment, which teaches them how to manage the adverse effects of cancer treatment, reduce its risks, and maximize their well-being as survivors.

ONS Thanks Congressman for Support of Legislation
September 22, 2016

ONS and ONCC appreciate the opportunity to provide feedback to SOCPC on recommendations regarding the 2018 Standard Occupational Classification. We urge the SOCPC to exclude the Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) from the broad occupation group Registered Nurses (RN), and include the CNS as a broad occupation and detailed occupation in the 2018 SOC revisions currently under consideration.

ONS and OCC Urges SOCPC Recognize CNS as a Detailed Occupation
September 20, 2016

ONS is grateful for the leadership of US Representative Steve Israel in submitting legislation on the importance of oncology nurses in educating cancer patients on symptom management.

ONS Thanks US Rep for Support of Education Act
September 22, 2016

ONS joins coalition partners in urging the Standard Occupational Classification Policy Committee (SOCPC) of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to reconsider the request to (1) exclude the Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) from the broad occupation group Registered Nurses (RNs), and (2) include the CNS as a broad occupation and detailed occupation in the 2018 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) revisions currently under consideration. Retaining CNSs in the RNs 2010 classifications is inconsistent with federal agencies, nursing practice in the states, and the larger nursing community, all of which distinguish CNSs as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs).

ONS Urges SOCPC to Differentiate Between CNSs and RNs
September 20, 2016

ONS submits testimony to the US Congress for a hearing titled “Examining Legislation to Improve Public Health,” with an emphasis on palliative care. Our written testimony discusses the need to improve palliative care for patients with cancer or other serious or life-threatening illnesses.

ONS Submits Testimony to Improve Palliative Care
September 8, 2016

ONS joins coalition partners in a letter to the US Congress, urging them to reject any effort to include policy riders that would weaken the FDA’s authority to regulate tobacco products. We are grateful that the Senate Appropriations Committee’s bill did not include any tobacco-related riders, but unfortunately, the House Appropriations Committee’s bill included two riders we strongly oppose.

ONS Opposes Riders in the House Appropriations Committee's Tobacco Bill
September 7, 2016

ONS joins coalition partners in letters to the US Congress requesting they reject any attempts to include the two tobacco policy riders in a CR in September. The Committees are reviewing language that would (1) exempt so-called “large and premium cigars” from FDA oversight, and (2) change the “grandfather date” to exempt e-cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products from FDA review requirement.

ONS Submits Letter to House of Representatives Re: Tobacco Resolution
ONS Submits Letter to Senate Re: Tobacco Resolution
September 7, 2016

ONS submits letters to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), regarding the National Cancer Moonshot Initiative and the role of the oncology nurse in research and treatment—one letter as CMS finalizes payment and other policies for CY 2017 under the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS), and one letter as CMS finalizes payment and other policies for CY 2017 under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS).

ONS Submits Letter to CMS Re: Cancer Moonshot Initiative
ONS Submits Letter to CMS Re: MPFS
September 6, 2016

ONS supports S. 3245, the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act. This bill would reauthorize, update, and improve the Nursing Workforce Development Programs that help grow and support the nation’s nursing workforce.

ONS Supports Legislation to Grow Nursing Workforce
August 19, 2016

ONS supports S. 3239, the Research to Accelerate Cures and Equity (RACE) for Children Act. This legislation would establish a program to provide additional incentives for the development of new drugs to treat pediatric cancers.

ONS Supports RACE Act to Better Treat Pediatric Cancers
August 19, 2016

ONS supports S. 3223, the Expanded Access to Treatment and Recovery Act. This bill would increase funding to reduce opioid use disorders and overdose.

ONS Supports an Increase in Funding to Fight Opioid Epidemic
August 19, 2016

ONS supports S. 3211, the Cancer Care Payment Reform Act of 2016. This legislation would establish a national Oncology Medical Home Demonstration Project under the Medicare program in order to enhance the quality of cancer care and to improve cost efficiency.

ONS Supports Cancer Care Payment Reform Legislation
August 19, 2016

OSN supports H.R. 5858, the Research to Accelerate Cures and Equity (RACE) for Children Act. This legislation would establish a program to provide additional incentives for the development of new drugs to treat pediatric cancers.

ONS Supports RACE Act to Better Treat Pediatric Cancers
August 19, 2016

ONS supports H.R. 5842, the Helping Our Veterans with Chronic Pain and Opioid Addiction Act. This bill would carry out a pilot program to improve treatment for veterans suffering from opioid addiction and chronic pain.

ONS Supports Pilot Program to Help Veterans Suffering From Opioid Addiction
August 19, 2016

ONS joins coalition partners in a letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), on behalf of patients with serious illnesses, to implement and evaluate the Oncology Care Model.

ONS Provides Feedback on Oncology Care Model
August 5, 2016

ONS joins coalition partners in sending a letter to Congress in support of HR 3110, the bipartisan Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act (PCHETA). The bill will improve the care of millions of patients living with serious or life-threatening illnesses, as well as their families and caregivers by addressing key barriers that prevent access to palliative care.

ONS Supports Bipartisan Palliative Care and Hospice Education Bill
August 1, 2016

ONS appreciates the opportunity to provide input on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposed rule regarding advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). ONS believes that patients should have a full choice of healthcare providers, including APRNs, and that oncology APRNs should be integrated fully into all aspects of cancer care. Research substantiates the positive impact of APRNs on patient care and outcomes.

ONS Comments on the VA Proposed Rule Regarding APRNs
July 25, 2016

ONS joins coalition partners in a letter to the Department of Verterans Affairs (VA) supporting nurses’ abilities to practice to the full extent of their education and training. We believe the VA has taken the necessary next step toward improving veterans’ access to safe, high-quality care by publishing this proposed rule, and we urge the VA to move forward with its full implementation.

ONS Supports VA Measures That Support Nurses Practicing to Full Extent of Education and Training
July 22, 2016

ONS sends letters of support to the US Congress for recognition of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

ONS Supports Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, Letter 1
ONS Supports Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, Letter 2
July 14, 2016

ONS joins coalition partners in expressing strong opposition to the $110 million funding cut in the House FY 2017 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Office on Smoking and Health (OSH). As the committee moves forward with the bill, we urge restoration of this funding and allocate at least $210 million to OSH. The work that OSH does is critical to ending the tobacco epidemic that takes far too many lives and exacts an enormous financial toll on the nation’s economy.

ONS Opposes Funding Cut to OSH
July 12, 2016

ONS appreciates the opportunity to provide input into this Request for Information (RFI) for developing the National Cancer Moonshot Initiative. Oncology nurses are on the front lines, implementing prevention, early detection, treatment, and symptom management strategies throughout the cancer continuum.

ONS Provides Input Into RFI for the National Cancer Moonshot Initiative
July 1, 2016

ONS expesses support of the new payment systems for physicians under the implementation of Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015. However, there were points that required clarification, as well as instances where ONS offered recommendations that differed from the proposed plan. 

ONS Offers Comments on MIPS, APM
June 27, 2016

ONS expresses concern with the revision to The Joint Commission’s (TJC) position on the transmission of patient care orders via texting platforms. Despite the acknowledged advances in the security of texting platforms addressing the concerns of provider anonymity, use of personal cellular devices, and the process for including orders into the medical record, severe safety concerns remain with the use of even the most advanced texting platforms.

ONS Expresses Concern of TJC's Position on the Transmission of Patient Care Orders Via Texting Platforms
June 13, 2016

ONS joins coalition partners in sending a letter to the US Senate urging it to support continued efforts to strengthen the FDA’s authority over tobacco production and distribution.

ONS Urges Senate to Strengthen FDA's Authority Over Tobacco Production and Distribution
June 8, 2016

ONS joins a coalition thanking the US Senate for its efforts in support of tobacco control at the FDA. We urge the full Senate to reject any amendments that would make it more difficult for the FDA to address the public health problems that these products cause.

ONS Thanks Senator for Support of Tobacco Control at the FDA
June 8, 2016

ONS thanks the Honorable Robert M. Calif, FDA commissioner, for exploring opportunities to enhance the development and regulatory review of oncology products across all of the medical product Centers at the FDA.

ONS Thanks FDA Commissioner for Work With the Regulatory Review of Oncology Products
June 6, 2016

ONS is pleased to provide input on the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) draft guidance, Labeling for Biosimilar Products. This is an important issue for oncology nurses as key members of the cancer care delivery and treatment team.

ONS Provides Input on Labeling of Biosimilar Products
June 3, 2016

ONS thanks Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for the opportunity to comment on how ONC and CMS can bring EHR systems closer towards seamless interoperability.

ONS Provides Comments on Recent CMS Measures
June 3, 2016

ONS thanks the Honorable Kelly Ayotte and the Honorable Richard Nolan for introducing S. 2941 and H.R. 5263, respectively, the Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act of 2016. These acts recognize the disparate impact of lung cancer on women and would help address the need for additional lung cancer research and preventive services.

ONS Thanks the Honorable Key Ayotte for Introduction of Women and Lung Cancer Act

ONS Thanks the Honorable Richard Nolan for Introduction of Women and Lung Cancer Act
May 27, 2016

In recent comments to its draft review process for patient-focused payment model proposals (PFPMs), ONS urges Physician-Focused Payment Model Technical Advisory Committee (PTAC) to encourage developers to highlight the role of nurses in their PFPM proposals. In addition, we urge PTAC to closely assess whether nursing has been incorporated in proposals in an effort to meet the secretary’s criteria for PFPMs.

ONS Provides Feedback to PTAC on its Draft Review Process for PFPM Proposals
May 13, 2016

ONS is deeply concerned with the proposed Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) Part B Dug Model and its access to quality cancer care. This is an important issue for oncology nurses as key members of the cancer care delivery and treatment team, as well as the patients we serve.

ONS Submits Concerns to CMS Regarding Proposed Part B Drug Model
May 9, 2016

ONS joins coalition partners in sending a letter to the US Congress, expressing strong opposition to two provisions in the House Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2017 that would significantly weaken the Food and Drug Administration’s authority over several tobacco products including e-cigarettes and cigars.

ONS Strongly Opposes Two Bill Provisions That Weaken the FDA's Authority Over Tobacco Products
May 4, 2016

ONS recently provided input on the White Paper released by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on March 24, 2016 related to the Department of Health and Human Services-operated risk adjustment methodology used in the individual and small group markets, including the marketplace plans under the Affordable Care Act.

ONS Comments on CMS White Paper Related to Risk Adjustment Methodology and More
April 22, 2016

ONS joins tobacco cessation coalition partners in reaching out to Major League Baseball. It is our belief that the country's national pastime should be about promoting a healthy and active lifestyle, not a deadly and addictive product. For the millions of children and families who love baseball and revere their favorite players and for the health of the players themselves, we urge MLB and the MLBPA to remove all tobacco use from baseball.

ONS Urges MLB and MLBPA to Remove All Tobacco Use From Baseball
March 31, 2016

ONS provides comments in connection wth the FDA's public workshop that discussed the development of appropriate regulatory standards for evaluation of next-generation, sequencing-based (NGS-based) oncology panels in cancer patient management. 

ONS Comments on FDA's Development of Standards for NGS-Based Oncology Panels
March 28, 2016

ONS joins 316 organizations to express strong concern with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) March 8, 2016 proposed rule that would implement a new “Medicare Part B Payment Model.” We believe that this type of initiative, implemented without sufficient stakeholder input, will adversely affect the care and treatment of Medicare patients with complex conditions, such as cancer, macular degeneration, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and primary immunodeficiency diseases. We previously sent a letter to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Sylvia Burwell asking her not to move forward with this type of initiative, and we now respectfully request that you ask CMS to withdraw the proposed rule.

ONS Expresses Concern With CMS's Proposed Rule for a New Medicare Payment Model
March 17, 2016

ONS joins coalition partners who treat millions of patients to express both our gratitude for the Centers' for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recent recognition of the many challenges providers face in meeting the requirements of the Meaningful Use program. Additionally, as the center considers changes to the program, we respectfully request the CMS implement a shortened reporting period in 2016 to continue this positive momentum and enable providers to successfully transition to a reoriented 2017 program.

ONS Asks CMS to Shorten Reporting Period in 2016
March 15, 2016

We are writing in response to the Request for Comments on the pilot “Clinical Outcome Assessment Compendium” (COA Compendium). ONS applauds the FDA's focus on measures that capture outcomes that "are important to patients" in clinical trials and efforts to foster patient-focused drug development. ONS supports the benefits of a standardized approach to assessment of patient outcomes, for which the compendium would be an asset.

ONS Applauds FDA's Focus on Certain Measures 
March 14, 2016

ONS joins coalition partners to ask both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate to fund the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). As Congress drafts the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS) appropriations legislation for fiscal year (FY) 2017, the undersigned members of the Friends of AHRQ respectfully request $364 million in budget authority—consistent with the president’s discretionary funding request and FY 2015 level.

ONS Requests Funding for the AHRQ from the U.S. House of Representatives
ONS Requests Funding for the AHRQ from the U.S. Senate
March 14, 2016

On behalf of the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), ONS President Margaret Barton-Burke, PhD, RN, FAAN,  thanks the Honorable Donald M. Payne, Jr., for introducing H.Res. 630, supporting the designation of March 2016 as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. H.Res. 630 would raise public awareness for and encourage educational efforts on colorectal cancer prevention, screening, and symptoms.

ONS President Thanks Congressman for Designation of March as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
March 4, 2016

ONS join the Friends of HRSA in recommending $7.48 billion for discretionary Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) programs in the FY 2017 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies appropriations bill. The Friends of HRSA is a coalition of 170 national organizations committed to supporting programs that are essential for a healthy nation. HRSA administers programs that focus on improving care for millions of Americans, who are medically underserved or face barriers to needed care, by strengthening the health workforce and increasing access to quality health services.

ONS Joins the Friends of HRSA in Recommending Funding for HRSA Programs
March 1, 2016

The undersigned organizations are increasingly concerned that major tobacco companies are introducing new tobacco products into the marketplace without the regulatory review required by the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act of 2009 (“Tobacco Control Act”). The FDA cites a number of examples of products marketed as “new” from 2012 to the present for which no new product, or substantial equivalence, order has been issued by FDA.

ONS Raises Concern of New Tobacco Products Released Into the Marketplace
February 28, 2016

ONS joins the more than 660 undersigned organizations—representing the full range of stakeholders supporting the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), and Education, and related agencies—urge you to allocate as high a funding level as possible to these programs and services in the fiscal year (FY) 2017 302(b) subcommittee allocations. The activities administered by these departments and agencies serve a broad range of constituencies and needs, but they all share a common, fundamental goal of strengthening this nation by improving Americans’ lives.

ONS Urges Lawmakers to Commit to Improving the Lives of Americans by Increasing the Labor-HHS Appropriations Allocation in FY 2017
February 22, 2016

ONS joins 185 cancer partners in signing a coalition letter of support to thank Vice President Joe Biden for championing the “Cancer Moonshot” initiative. The federal investment in the NIH and NCI will make dramatic advances in finding a cure and better treatments for cancer.

ONS Applauds Vice President's Commitment to a National Initiative to End Cancer as We Know It
February 9, 2016

ONS writes to US Representative Steve Israel (D-NY) for introducing H.Res 606 that expresses support for the designation of February 4, 2016, as National Cancer Prevention Day.

ONS Thanks US Rep for Designation of National Cancer Prevention Day
February 4, 2016

ONS conveys strong support for the nomination of Dr. Mary Wakefield to be Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

ONS Supports HHS Deputy Secretary Nomination
February 3, 2016

ONS writes to Maryland State Senator regarding bill to expand patients' access to clinical trials. ONS applauds the protections afforded to healthcare providers as outlined in the bill, to include freedom to recommend treatment options that are in alignment with the goals, needs, and values of patients. ONS strongly encourages development of contractual relationships between patients and investigational drug manufacturers to limit patient and state liabilities and encourages revision of the bill to state that provisions under this bill must include contractual agreements. 

ONS Supports Legislation for Expanded Access to Investigational Products
January 27, 2016

ONS joins tobacco cessation coalition partners in a letter to Housing and Urban Development (HUD) U.S. Secretary Julian Castro in strongly supporting a policy that will greatly improve the health of public housing residents. The publication of the proposed rule represents a major step forward in protecting the millions of Americans who currently live in federally owned public housing from the harms of tobacco. We urge HUD to adopt a final rule implementing this measure as soon as possible.

ONS Comments to HUD for Smoke-Free Public Housing
January 19, 2016

ONS writes US Representative Steve Knight, thanking him for introducting H.Res 586, expressing support for the annual May designation of “DIPG Awareness Week," which will raise awareness and encourage research into cures for diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPG) and pediatric cancers in general.

ONS expresses support for DIPG Awareness Week
January 19, 2016

ONS joins coalition partners in advocating for access to prescription medication for cancer patients. Our members want to make sure public policies intended to reduce inappropriate use of opioids do not simultaneously create access barriers to pain management for patients for whom opioids are medically indicated and who are benefiting from such treatment.

ONS Advocates to Ensure Opioid Policies Do Not Create Access Barriers for Patients
January 13, 2016

ONS joins with our partners in recognition of the time and effort already invested in the National Institutes of Health's (NIH's) final National Pain Strategy Report and the urgent need for a national strategy around pain. We urge the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to expedite the release of this report.