ENA Washington Update - May 2025

News You Can Use

Day on the Hill Hits New Attendance Record
For the first time, Day on the Hill hit full attendance, with 161 ENA members from 44 states joining the premier advocacy event! ENA members from around the country let their voices be heard in support of the reauthorization of the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act, as well as the reintroduction of the Save Healthcare Workers Act.

Day on the Hill is a great way for ENA members to learn more about the policymaking process in Washington, D.C. The skills gained and lessons learned from Day on the Hill can inform your advocacy efforts long after you’ve left Washington. If you were not able to participate this year, you can always join ENA on April 28-29, 2026, for the next Day on the Hill!

ENA-Supported Bill to Protect Emergency Nurses from Workplace Violence Re-Introduced
On May 5, Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss) and Representative Madeleine Dean (R-Pa.) introduced the Save Healthcare Workers Act (H.R. 3178/S. 1600) - Previously known as the Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees (SAVE) Act, it was renamed for this congress to avoid confusion with other legislation with similar acronyms. This Day on the Hill priority legislation would establish federal criminal penalties for assaulting health care workers in hospitals. It mirrors protections afforded to airline workers and would provide for enhanced sentences if a dangerous weapon is used or if the attacker inflicts bodily injury or the assault occurred during a public emergency.

ENA-Supported Bills to Combat Human Trafficking and Opioids Approved in Committee
On April 29, the House Energy & Commerce Committee held a markup to consider H.R. 1669, a bill to reauthorize the Stop, Observe, Ask, and Respond (SOAR) to Health and Wellness program. SOAR is a nationally recognized and accredited training program for professionals and organizations that address human trafficking. The training is provided through the Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families, and is available to individuals and groups, in-person and virtually. Some estimates show that as many as 60 percent of people trafficked will at some point visit an emergency department. If passed, the bill would continue the program for an additional five years, through 2030.

Also passed in committee was the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities programs, which continues policies and programs enacted in 2019 to combat the rise in opioid overdoses and deaths. Results since these programs were stared are promising, with opioid-related deaths dropping around 17 percent from July 2023 to July 2024, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

ENA State Leaders: Got a State Bill to Track?
Contact ENA Government Relations and let us know the bill number - gov@ena.org
________________________________________

EN411 Grassroots Advocacy
Members of Congress need to hear from their constituents – this means you!
Action Alerts highlight ENA’s priorities before the House and Senate. Through the links below, you can send a letter or X post to your member of Congress.

Workplace Violence Has No Cure, but More Can Be Done to Fight It. Support the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act!

Medicaid Cuts Would Be Catastrophic for EDs and Their Patients. Tell Congress to Preserve Medicaid!

Support Tyler’s Law to Effectively Implement Fentanyl Testing in EDs!

Support the Reauthorization of Programs to Combat Emergency Nurse Burnout!

If you haven’t signed up, click below and never miss another Action Alert! 
Join EN411
________________________________________

Datebook

Upcoming Government Relations and Advocacy Events
June 4    Government Affairs Chairperson Call