Identity area
Type of entity
Authorized form of name
Alberta Association of Registered Nurses. Task Force on Direct Access to Nursing Services
Parallel form(s) of name
Standardized form(s) of name according to other rules
Other form(s) of name
Identifiers for corporate bodies
Description area
Dates of existence
History
In consideration of the activities of the Government of Alberta in restructuring the delivery of health care services to the citizens of the province, the Provincial Council of the Alberta Association of Registered Nurses struck an ad hoc Committee on Public Funding to Remunerate Nurses in Self-Employed Practice late in 1991. After its preliminary report, the Committee was established as the Task Force on Increased Direct Acccess to Nursing Services, with the objective: "That the full range of nursing services be recognized and integrated as part of basic health services so that Albertans can go directly to registered nurses for nursing services." Its missions statement included: (1)"The AARN views increased direct access to registered nurses' services as ... an important part of fundamental health care reform; " and (2) "It is envisioned that nurses would be part of a community - based health care system where the public may go directly to the nurse for nursing services such as: ... illness prevention programs ...health screening and monitoring ... and pre- and post - operative care." The Task Force held its first meeting in December 1996. Its report, "Alberta Association of Registered Nurses Initiative to Increase Direct Access to Services Provided by Registered Nurses," was issued in January 1997. During its tenure the Task Force set up sub-committees, hired consultants, coordinated AARN District activities in support of its objective, maintenained liaison with other health care organizations and Alberta Health authorities, and conducted a public relations campaign which utilized video programs, public presentations and seminars, lobbying of MLAs, and developing research papers. Proposals for demonstation clinics in selected communities and Regional Health Authority districts were developed. The Task Force reported its activities quarterly to the Provincial Council. Although it received encouragement for its objectives from Alberta Health, the Regional Health Authorities, registered nurses and the public, to 1997 no changes in the Health Care Act had been made that would permit funding for direct access to nursing services. The Task Force was disbanded in 1997; the initiative continues within the structure of the AARN.