"The American Nurses Association (ANA) is the premier organization representing the interests of the nation's 4 million registered nurses. ANA is at the forefront of improving the quality of health care for all. Founded in 1896, and with members in all 50 states and U.S. territories, ANA is the strongest voice for the profession."

• ANA Comment Letter to HHS on 1557 Revisions

  The ANA opposed the repeal of transgender-specific protections under Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act noting: "The proposed rule would substantially alter HHS’ current approach to discrimination in health care, removing a number of safeguards built into the 2016 regulations. Among the significant revisions proposed, HHS seeks to eliminate provisions clarifying the health care rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. If finalized, the rule’s definition of sex discrimination under Section 1557 would no longer include discrimination based on gender identity or sex-stereotyping. Additionally, there would be no prohibition to insurance plans denying or limiting health care coverage based on gender identity. Without these protections, providers and payers can deny care to transgender persons and to other LGBTQ+ patients based on sex-stereotyping."

  Date: 2019

• Nursing Advocacy for LGBTQ+ Populations

  "ANA is committed to the elimination of health disparities and discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or expression within health care. LGBTQ+ populations face significant obstacles accessing care such as stigma, discrimination, inequity in health insurance, and denial of care because of an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. ...

  ANA condemns any discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or gender expression in access to or provision of health care."

  Date: 2018

• Amicus Brief to Call for VA Support of Surgical Treatment for Transgender Veterans with Gender Dysphoria

  ANA joined an amicus brief in Fulcher v. Secretary of Veterans Affairs, which challenged the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' refusal to engage in rulemaking to reconsider its ban on providing transgender-related surgery to veterans.

  Date: 2017