LINK

COLUMBUS CHAPTER ONCOLOGY NURSING SOCIETY SEPTEMBER 2014 www.columbus.vc.ons.org/ VOL 31 ISSUE 3

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

From Bertie Ford, RN, MS 614-581-2177

Welcome to fall! It seems to have hit us so quickly, but the weather has been amazing. I do enjoy the falls in central Ohio, the football games, especially tailgating and watching the Buckeyes, the change in foliage, firing up the fire pit, more comfortable bike rides and runs/walks and comforting foods…. (My downfall).

Though we take a little break in the summer, we had two social events, served up an amazing meal at Faith Mission and volunteered for the Pan Ohio Hope Ride. The Board had our retreat at Woodhaven Farms where we prepared a wonderful meal and made it through a packed agenda. We had our first chapter meeting two weeks ago with a review of new drugs and on the 21st our very successful 8th annual Breast Health Fashion

Show.

In keeping up with the strength finder’s attribute descriptions, which describe me. My third theme is communication. Those who score high in this arena like to explain, describe, to host, to speak in public and to write. I agree with all of those, not so sure about the writing part as evidenced by completing my president’s message late. Ideas are a dry beginning and events are static. We feel the need to bring them to life, to energize them, make them exciting and vivid. We turn events into stories and practice telling them. (I am definitely a storyteller) We like our information, whether an idea, event, a product’s features and benefits, discovery or a lesson, to survive. We like finding the perfect phrase. We like people to listen to us. We want to

pique people’s interest, sharpen their world and inspire them to act. (Especially as it relates to my son Blair)

So in terms of chapter communication, please make it a habit to read the newsletter, read the minutes, log into our wonderful virtual community- http://columbus.vc.ons. and attend our chapter meetings and events. Next up is the opportunity to participate in the Leukemia Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night on October 11th.

Around the corner on October 17th is our ONS Regional conference on palliative care and Outreach Ohio meeting immediately after at Vittorias. You will have the opportunity to lend your voice to who should lead our chapter by voting in the upcoming election. We will have a holiday social event as well, we will keep you posted. You will also have the opportunity to complete a survey monkey on educational programs you would like presented at our chapter meetings. Communication is a two way street and I welcome it. Look for a

suggestion box at the next meeting.

The Official Newsletter

of the Columbus Chapter of the

Oncology Nursing

Society

Your LINK is the winner of the 2012 ONS Newsletter Award

COMMUNITY CORNER

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Go to www.columbus.vc.ons.org/ for event details

SAVE THE DATES

October 9 Multiple Myeloma

October 17 Emerging Trends in Palliative Care

October 17 Outreach Ohio

November 13 Symptom Management

December 7 Mentorship Brunch

Don’t forget to add www.columbus.vc.ons.org/ to your ‘Favorites’ site on your PC, iPad, or smart phone! This is the home page for ‘all-things’ CCONS. Just about every chapter document, form, policy manual, guideline, staff contact information, you name it - is housed on this site. It’s your one-stop-shop for chapter operations and management resources!

CCONS has the following opportunities for interested

members:

Site Liaisons, DAL, Treasurer-Elect, &

President-Elect

Contact any of the board members

Next meeting: March 28, 2015

CCONS members are welcome and encouraged to attend.

If interested, contact Bertie at ford.bertie@gene.com

Pierre Cardin’s 1971 vision of futuristic

nursing uniforms….LOL!

ANOTHER YEAR AT THE ACS PAN OHIO

Jennifer L. Guy, BS, RN, OCN®

On July 26th, CCONS members convened at Prairie Oaks Metropark – Darby Bends Lake in Hilliard, Ohio, to serve GatorAde®, water, fruit, and creature comforts) to the over 500 riders who biked the 328 miles from Cleveland to Cincinnati to raise money for ACS Hope Lodges and other patient programs. This year the rain held off and a beautiful day was enjoyed by all. ACS volunteers Melanie Kerr, an oncology nurse, and Laurie McCoombs joined the CCONS crew and cheered on their rider husbands (pictured below). Thanks to all CCONS members and family members, for volunteering their free time to help: Rupa Gosh-Berkebile & son Nicholas, Angie Edwards-Abbey, daughter Jordan & son Ethan, Amber Kurzen, Diana McMahon, Maggie Mills, Mercy Ovuworie, Maria Tucker, and Beth Stevens & daughter Gabby And thanks to Sonia Alcott who lent her large tent to the effort even thought she couldn’t join us. Letters documenting community service were provided to students. Many riders remarked that ‘the nurses’ water stop is always the most fun!’ CCONS further served our community by donating the left over fruit to Faith Mission, an ongoing service project of the Community Outreach Committee who provided funding for this effort.

Melanie & rider husband Laurie & rider husband

CONGRATULATIONS TO CCONS MEMBERS…

Colleen O’Leary on the publication ‘Evidence-Based Management of Sepsis’ in the June issue of the

Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing (CJON) Lisa Blackburn as first author on the publication ‘Using Failure-to-Rescue Simulation to Assess the Performance of Advanced Practice Professionals’ in the same June issue of the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing (CJON). Co-authors: Sherri Harkless and Paula Garvey Sarah Eichner on becoming Mrs. Kincaid. Sarah and Luke tied the knot on June 21st. Best Wishes to

The newlyweds!

50/50 Raffle

So far this year, we have raised $170 for our chapter. I know I rarely have

cash on me but try to remember to bring a few bucks to the meetings for a

chance to leave with more cash….

…Monica Zimmerman won $65 and Kris Mathey won $32 & $64 again in March, Teresa Roblee won and refunded the

winnings back to CCONS!

CCONS COOKBOOK

Over 180 pages of CCONS’ favorite recipes in celebration of our 30th Anniversary

$10 Ask any board member

Save the Date

Columbus Chapter of the Oncology Nursing Society

26th Annual SPRING CONFERENCE

KALEIDOSCOPE OF ONCOLOGY CARE

March 26 & 27, 2015

Welcoming New Committee Members Please contact Ilene or Lisa if you would like to join the Committee.

ilene.lattimer@osumc.edu or lisa.masten@osumc.edu

Meetings after CCONS Chapter meetings. September and October 2014 January and February 2015

Thank you for all you do!

ANNUAL FAITH MISSION CHRISTMAS DINNER Don’t forget our annual Christmas dinner on December 25th. Check on our VC or scan your upcoming emails for more details as we near closer to the date of the event. CCONS volunteers will provide food and serve Christmas

day lunch.

at The LEVEL…

at Bel Lago… at Woodhaven Farm…

CLINICAL PRACTICE CORNER

A New Tool in the Screening and Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer

Jennifer L. Guy, BS, RN, OCN®

Earlier this summer, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved CologuardTM manufactured by Exact Sciences, a stool DNA, biomarker and fecal hemoglobin test for use in detecting colorectal cancer. Many DNA mutations exist in colorectal cancer and thus, screening the stool for their presence can detect pre-malignant and malignant changes. In addition, biomarkers of DNA changes may also be found in the stool and further improve the detection of abnormalities that will require colonoscopy to confirm or rule out the presence of polyps or colorectal cancer. The development of stool DNA tests dates to the early 2000’s1. The potential of fecal DNA screening to be more accurate and require only a single stool specimen had been identified, but the cost has been of concern (several hundred dollars/test) compared to other non-invasive screening tests2. A forerunner of CologuardTM, (PreGen-PlusTM) was marketed in the mid-2000s by the same company. This stool DNA test evaluated 21 genetic changes as well as two additional variants that correlate with microsatellite instability and apoptosis was commercially available until the FDA classified it as a medical device requiring FDA approval3. Thus, the manufacturer withdrew it from the market. Subsequently, accuracy issues were identified, and re-engineering resulted in the improved CologuardTM test. The approval of CologuardTM was the result of a 9989 evaluable participant study reported in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) in April 20144. The study was conducted in men and women ≥ 50 years of age at average risk for colorectal cancer and compared fecal immunohistochemical testing (FIT) to the stool DNA test that uses a combination of molecular assays and a hemoglobin immunoassay. CologuardTM quantitates KRAS mutations and four additional abnormal DNA biomarkers associated with colorectal cancer. Combining these results with FIT hemoglobin detection generates a positive or negative result. Positive results dictate follow-up colonoscopy or other intervention based on individual patient situations. In the NEJM study results of both tests were validated with colonoscopy. Stool DNA testing outperformed FIT in detecting colorectal cancer and both advanced and serrated polyps. However, there were more false positives with DNA testing than with FIT, i.e., specificity of the DNA test was inferior to FIT. The authors concluded that to detect one colon cancer using DNA testing would be better (l:166) than FIT (l:208) but inferior to colonoscopy (1:154)4. CologuardTM is indicated for adults ≥ 50 years of age who are at average risk for colorectal cancer. A prescription is necessary; physicians, advanced practice nurses, and physician assistants must register with the manufacturer via the Exact Sciences professional web site: http://www.cologuardtest.com/hcp/ordering-cologuard/physician-enrollment.* Soon after registration, a CologuardTM representative contacts the provider and arranges for on on-site presentation that includes all ordering mechanisms and an explanation of proper specimen collection. Orders for the test may be submitted via the secure physician portal accessible from the professional web site or via fax: 1-608-535-8945 using order forms available from Customer Support (1-844-870-8870.) Currently, only Exact Sciences’ laboratory performs this test. Once an order is received, it is reviewed, any missing information obtained and the patient is contacted directly to provide instruction for specimen collection and verify shipping information. A CologuardTM kit is then sent to the patient. A detailed Patient Guide accompanies the test kit and walks the patient through the collection and return shipping process using both written and pictorial instructions8. The order/kit shipment is tracked and follow-up with the patient occurs to ensure test completion and specimen return. The progress of individual tests may be tracked by ordering providers via the web site. There are no dietary or medication restrictions necessary prior to specimen collection. However, anyone who may contaminate the specimen with blood from another source (actively bleeding hemorrhoids, menstruation, bleeding cuts on hands/fingers, diarrhea, rectal bleeding) should not collect the specimen until these have resolved to avoid a false positive result8. Using the kit-provided collection ‘hat’, the patient

collects the entire volume of one bowel movement. In addition, a FIT collection kit is included requiring the patient to remove the collection wand, collect stool from the same specimen and return it to the collection case. The specimens are then packaged per kit instructions and sent to Exact Sciences via the 24 hour pre-paid UPS shipping label included. Specimens must be shipped within 24 hours and received by the laboratory within 72 hours of collection8 The CologuardTM patient web site http://www.cologuardtest.com/) contains a helpful FAQ menu.

Results of the CologuardTM test are reported as positive or negative based on the combination of the DNA, biomarker and hemoglobin test results. They are available within two weeks via both the secure professional web site and fax. Positive tests require follow-up, usually with colonoscopy to definitively rule out or confirm the presence of pre-malignant or malignant disease. Currently, Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurers do not cover the cost of this test. The manufacturer has the Cologuard Assurance program that will work with insurers to obtain coverage. It requires a $50 patient payment and an assignment of benefits. The cost of CologuardTM is $599.00. In the event the third party payor denies payment, the patient is responsible for payment; the $50 Cologuard Assurance fee is deducted from the cost of the test6,7

How does CologuardTM fit into current colorectal cancer screening guidelines?

The American Cancer Society (ACS) guidelines for colorectal cancer screening recommend are that normal risk (i.e., no risk factors) individuals begin colorectal cancer screening at age fifty. Screening may be accomplished with any of the following seven options9. Other guidelines closely align with those of ACS10,11,12.

Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) yearly

Fecal immunohistochemical test (FIT) yearly

Stool DNA evaluation at intervals not yet established, noting that the test was not on the market at the time of writing.

Flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years

Double contrast barium enema (DCBE) every five years.

CT colonography every five years

Colonoscopy every ten years Recommendations for screening high risk populations can be found at the ACS web site at: http://www.cancer.org/cancer/colonandrectumcancer/detailedguide/colorectal-cancer-detection. The role of CologuardTM in screening has not been established at present; most think it is best used in patients who wish to avoid colonoscopy, if at all possible. It is attractive to patients because no bowel preparation, dietary or medication restrictions are necessary. However, CologuardTM is approved as an ‘adjunct’ to colonoscopy which may still be required if it is positive. In addition, the NEJM paper that helped establish the efficacy of CologuardTM only compared it to a single FIT test as opposed to yearly FIT determinations4,9. The optimal interval to repeat stool DNA testing has not been established, although three years is being discussed in the context of coverage decisions by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). It is also noted that the other recommended screening tests are reimbursed by third party payors, including Medicare. Alternatively, although the cost of CologuardTM is high, it is less than that of screening colonoscopy. In conclusion, stool DNA testing is now FDA approved and available but its place in the screening paradigm must evolve. Nurses are in a position to assist patients requesting CologuardTM testing or for whom there are contraindications to colonoscopy to properly collect an adequate specimen. For those with a positive test, nurses can explain the necessity of subsequent colonoscopy and support the patient in complying with the recommendation.

Levin, B., Brooks, D., Smith, R.A., Stone, A. Emerging Technologies in Screening for Colorectal Cancer: CT Colonography, Immunohistochemical Fecal Occult Blood Tests, and Stool Screening Using Molecular Markers. CA A Cancer Journal for Clin.

2003;53(1):44-55.

Itzkowitz, S.H., Jandorf, L., Brandt, R., Rabeneck, L. Schroy III, P.C., Sontag, S., et al. Improved Fecal DNA Test for Colorectal Cancer Screening. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2007;5(1):111-117.

See next page

Greenwald, B. The Stool DNA Test: An Emerging Technology in Colorectal Cancer Screening. Gastroenterol Nurs. 2006;28(1):28-32.

Imperiale TF, Ransohoff DF, Itzkowitz SH, et al. Multitarget stool DNA testing for colorectal-cancer screening. N Engl J Med.

2014;370(4):1987-97.

Exact Sciences: CologuardTM

professional web site: http://www.cologuardtest.com/hcp. Accessed September 19, 2014.

Exact Sciences: CologuardTM

patient web site: http://www.cologuardtest.com/.Accessed September 19, 2014.

7. Personal Communication: Exact Sciences: Customer Support Line: 1-844-870-8870.

8. Personal Communication: Exact Sciences CologuardTM

Patient Guide. September 19, 2014.

9. Smith RA, Manassaram-Baptiste D, Brooks D, Cokkinides V, Doroshenk M, Saslow D, et al.

Cancer screening in the United States, 2014: A review of current American Cancer Society

Guidelines and current issues in cancer screening. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians.

2014; 64(1):30-51.

10. National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN Practice Guidelines in OncologyTM

Version

1.2014. Colorectal Cancer Screening. Jenkintown, PA. Avialable at:

http://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/PDF/colorectal_screening.pdf.

Accessed September 20, 2014.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Committee on Gynecologic Practice.

Committee opinion no. 482: colonoscopy and colorectal cancer screening strategies. Obstet.

Gynecol. 2011.

Rex DK, Johnson DA, Anderson JC, Schoenfeld PS, Burke CA, Inadomi JM. Colorectal cancer screening. Am J Gastroenterol. 2009; 104:739–750.

Fisher D. Facts, Myths, and the Stool DNA Test. MedPage Today. Available at:

http://www.medpagetoday.com/Gastroenterology/GeneralGastroenterology/47428

Many thanks to Graciela Rasor and many others at the Cologuard

TM Customer Support line for answering my

questions about the test. The author has no conflicts to report and no relationships, financial or otherwise, with Exact Sciences or others that would influence the content of this article.

NATIONAL NEWS

ONS OFFERS NURSE IN WASHINGTON INTERNSHIP GRANTS

A limited number of grants are available from ONS to cover costs of attending the Nurse in Washington Internship Program (NIWI) sponsored by the Nursing Alliance. NIWI provides nurses with the opportunity to learn about the legislative and regulatory processes that influence nursing and health care delivery in the United States. The next NIWI program will be held March 15 - 17, 2015 at the Westin Crystal City Hotel in Arlington, Virginia where participants will learn from health policy experts and government officials, visit members of Congress, and network with other nurses. Grants will cover NIWI tuition, travel and hotel expenses and a per diem. To be eligible, nurses must be a current member of ONS and have had two years minimum ONS membership, been involved in ONS activities, be currently active in legislative (local, state, or national) activities, and be willing to serve as a chapter, SIG, or state health policy liaison. Strong communication skills and willingness to commit time for preparation for NIWI activities are also necessary. Application deadline is November 1, 2014. Submit four copies of the following: a letter indicting you are applying for a NIWI grant, data attesting to the requirements listed above, and your curriculum vitae. Mail to ONS Health Policy Team 125 Enterpirse Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15275-1214

OR e-mail them to ONS Health Policy Director Alec Stone (astone@ons.org).

MORE FROM NATIONAL ONS…

ONS Regional Conferences Coming to

Houston, Columbus, and Phoenix This Fall

Join nationally regarded experts from ONS during Emerging Trends in Palliative Care, a one-day

conference held in these three cities this fall. The Columbus event is October 17th. A special thanks

to the Houston, Columbus, and Phoenix chapters for serving as the host chapters.

If you have not already registered, go to https://www.ons.org/education/conferences/palliative

Each month, we release a new continuing nursing education (CNE) activity based on ONS journal

articles.

Read the articles.

Complete a short quiz.

Earn your CNE credits.

It’s that simple. Oh, and did we mention the CNE is free for members?

That means if you participate in just three of these activities, your ONS membership pays for itself!

The August journal CNE activity is ready for enrollment. Go to the national ONS VC and search

under CNE Central

Earn 2.7 contact hours of CNE for free. $40 for non-members.

LEGISLATIVE NEWS

We welcome Jill Beavers-Kirby to our committee! Jill is a founder and past president of the Council for Ohio Health Care Advocacy (COCHA), a multidisciplinary organization that lobbies for healthcare related issues in Ohio: http://www.cohcaonline.org/ Jill is an NP at the James in malignant/transplant hematology. This report has been revised for easier use: a) Ohio House bills are grouped together in order of bill number; b) Ditto for Ohio Senate bills; c) Ohio bills that have passed the legislature, signed into law and effective date reported previously have been removed unless there is an issue/concern with rule-making, such as by the Ohio Board of Nursing.

OHIO LEGISLATURE

Ohio Judiciary Fact: Each year in Ohio 1,100,000 lawsuits are filed in the Trial Courts. 10,000 reach the

12 district Courts of Appeals. 150 reach the Supreme Court of Ohio who only accepts for their consideration those that have ‘broad interest’. The Ohio Supreme Court also has authority to review administrative actions of the Public Utilities Commission and the Board of Tax Appeals. Sources: Justice Judi French in an address in Ashland, Ohio in the spring of 2014; Article IV, Section 5 of the Ohio State Constitution. BILLS PASSED SB 99: requires parity payment for oral chemotherapy with intravenous chemotherapy. Assigned to

Insurance and Financial Institutions Committee; has had hearings. Passed both chambers. Signed by the Governor. Effective date: 9/17/14 (Tammy Lamb) HB 123: governs telehealth services. Requires Medicaid to reimburse for diagnostic and therapeutic

services performed via phone, web, or satellite devices. Reimbursement parameters will be established through the rules. The governor signed the bill on 2/18. Effective May 20, 2014. (Sarah Eichner Kincaid) HB 165: exempts licensed hyperbaric oxygen technologist from Ohio regulations that apply to respiratory technologists. Passed by House; sent to Senate Committee on Commerce & Labor; 3

hearings held. Substitute bill introduced March 26, 2014. Passed, signed by the Governor, effective 9/4/14 (Jennifer Guy) HB 264: Allows non-health professionals, after training, to manage insulin, diet, glucagon, etc. in public schools. Ohio Association of School Nurses’ trying to assure bill has safety inclusions. Some

OSNA language incorporated. Passed by House 96-1, passed by Senate 33-0. 6/12/14 signed by the governor. Effective 9/11/14 (Tammy Lamb) *HB 314: Requires parental consent for a minor to be prescribed controlled substances. Also

mandates reporting about child fatalities and methadone clinic locations. Passed both houses, signed by Governor, effective 9/17/14 (Sarah Eichner Kincaid)

NOTE: The ONA Health Policy Council’s position is noted. “NO CHANGE” has been inserted for ease of

reading & signifies that nothing has happened since our last report. If you want more information, contact the committee member noted.

Legislative Updates from

Jen Guy, Amy Tootle, Sarah Eichner-Kincaid, Tammy

Lamb, & Jill Beavers-Kirby

HB 366: require hospice care programs to establish policies to prevent diversion of controlled substances that contain opioids. Passed both houses, signed by Governor, effective 9/17/14. (Jill

Beavers-Kirby) HB 341: to establish requirements to be followed by prescribers in reviewing patient information in the State Board of Pharmacy's Ohio Automated Rx Reporting System. Sent to the Governor on 6/16

and becomes effective on 9/16/14. (Jill Beavers-Kirby) SB 230: prohibits delivery of injectable, but non-self-administered ‘cancer drugs’ to patients, their designee, and a variety of other sites, i.e., nursing homes, home health agencies, etc. In essence, prohibits ‘brown bagging. Passed 3rd consideration by the House on 1/22/14 31-1. 6/3/14 House

amendment on floor bill: vote 86-6. 6/4/14 concurred vote 29-3. 6/17/14 signed. Effective: 9/17/14 (Tammy Lamb) BILLS IN PROCESS

HB 92- Syringe Exchange: Passed the House 72-23. Sent to the Senate Hearings in progress. In

Medicaid, Health & Human Services Committee. 3rd hearing 3/26/14. (Tammy Lamb) HB 131: Restricting tanning bed use to those 18 years of age & older: Hearing held by House Committee on Health and Aging, awaiting report. Passed 3rd consideration in House, sent to Senate, await committee assignment. (Sarah Eichner Kincaid) HB 281: Prohibits all tobacco use in public schools and at school sponsored functions. In House

Education Committee, hearings pending. NO CHANGE (Sarah Eichner Kincaid) HB 301: Allows APNs with prescription authority to delegate administration of medications to unlicensed personnel. Introduced in October, 2013, assigned to Health & Aging Committee, amended in

the House. Await hearing. OSMA: neutral. Ohio Board of Nursing: Interested party. NO CHANGE (Sarah Eichner Kincaid) HB 320: create a state income tax deduction and immunity from civil liability for care provided at a free clinic or to patients on Medicaid & establishes a volunteer certificate for retired nurses.

Substitute bill that better defines ‘free clinics’, ‘indigent’ etc. passed the House, sent to Senate Finance Committee; hearings pending. NO CHANGE (Jennifer Guy) *HB 332: Regulates prescription of opioids to those less than 50 years of age with chronic non-cancer pain. Introduced November 2013, assigned to Health Committee, hearings pending. NO CHANGE. (Amy Tootle) HB 394: a companion bill to SB 79 allowing pharmacists to administer vaccines to those ≥ 7 years of age as per CDC protocols. Passed the House, sent to the Senate Medicaid, Health & Human services Committee, hearings pending. NO CHANGE. (Jill Beavers-Kirby) HB 412: Revises scope of practice for physician assistants. Includes many issues related to physician

oversight, prescriptive/medication administration authority, handicapped license placards, role in various care settings, malpractice insurance issues, among others. Introduced January 21, 2014, assigned to Health and Aging Committee. Substitute bill passed on 4/02. Language is identical to that for APRNs. Passed 3rd consideration on 5/14 out of House Health and Aging Committee and introduced to the Senate on 5/15. NO CHANGE (Sarah Eichner Kincaid) HB 472: Midterm Budget Review Bill (reviews and makes changes to the adopted biennial budget bill spanning 2014 & 2015) Assigned to House Ways & Means Committee 3/14/14 -calls for a $0.30 tax

increase on pack of cigarettes per year over 2 years (total increase in $0.60 after 2 years). The current proposal is to increase the tax at the $ 0.60 level. The Ohio Hospital Association (OHA) and American Cancer Society (ACS) are not supporting this bill because evidence has shown that incremental increases over time are more likely to be absorbed by the consumer and not be effective in deterring smoking; whereas a $0.50 increase all at once has been shown to be more difficult to absorb and thus more efficacious in deterring smoking. Hearings pending. NO CHANGE. (Sarah Eichner Kincaid) HB 501: to make Zohydro a schedule I medication. Assigned to House Health and Aging Committee,

hearings pending. (Jill Beavers-Kirby) SB 79: authorizes pharmacists to administer the gamut of vaccines to those ≥ 7 years of age as per CDC protocols. OSMA & Ohio Chapter American Academy of Pediatrics opposed. Hearings pending in

Senate. 11/20/13 4th hearing in Senate Medicaid, Health and Human Services. (Tammy Lamb)

SB 240: allows pharmacists to prescribe & administer medications under a consult agreement.

Assigned to SB 271: Requires, prior to selling at retail a controlled substance or a drug containing tramadol, a licensed terminal distributor to verify the identity of the prospective purchaser and record certain identification information. Assigned to house Commerce & Labor committee, no action to date. (Jill

Beavers-Kirby) Several bills that have been introduced after the establishment of a legislative task force to study ways to decrease abuse of prescription narcotics. To deal with the opiate-related bills the House Health and Aging Committee formed the Opiate Addiction Treatment & Reform Subcommittee. Bills covering standards for treating non-cancer pain with opiods (HB 332, NO CHANGE), requiring Ohio Department of Health to develop a one-page educational document describing the addictive nature of Schedule II or opium-containing drugs and requirements for distribution (HB 359), prohibiting prescription of drugs to treat opium dependence if patient is not also receiving behavioral counseling (HB 378) are all being considered by the subcommittee. NO CHANGE IN ANY of these bills. (Jennifer Guy)

Short legislative sessions are expected for both the Federal and State Legislatures as they turn their attention to the November elections. . Ohio House reconvenes on 9/16, and is expected to recess no later than 9/25. Ohio Senate reconvenes 10/1, if necessary, and most likely adjourn 10/2. The US House of Representative reconvenes on September 8 and continues until September 19 th, with additional session scheduled for 9/29 through 10/2 when they will recess to return home for the fall campaigns. The US Senate also reconvenes 9/8 and is projected to adjourn by 9/23 until after the November elections

House Medicaid, Health and Human services Committee, hearings pending. (Jill Beavers-Kirby) SB 166: Aims to revamp Ohio legislative committees and several issues related to Ohio Medicaid.

Assigned to House Finance Committee, awaiting hearings. NO CHANGE (Jennifer Guy) SB 214: Governs education and scope of practice of surgical techs. Does not require licensing, but does require continuing education. Implies RN supervision, but changes are necessary in that purview to comply with other statutes, OBN rules, etc. Introduced, assigned to Senate Medicaid, Health & Human Services Committee; hearings in progress. NO CHANGE (Jennifer Guy)

Other bills recently introduced in the Ohio Legislature: a) HB 271: Immunity for health care workers administering to indigent & uninsured persons; NO CHANGE. b) HB 151 & 152: removes requirements to join unions in both the public and private sectors; NO CHANGES. c) SB 165: prohibits submitting medical records to a third party electronic data base without patient consent; NO CHANGE. d) HB 298: allow nursing home residents to electronically monitor their room; NO CHANGE.

NATIONALLY Federal Legislative Fact: A bill’s title is usually written by its sponsor.

H.R. 1801: Cancer Drug Coverage Parity Act of 2013: amends the ERISA, PHSA, and IRS Acts to

require parity payment for oral oncolytics with intravenous chemotherapy. No hearings held to date; speculation is that it is unlikely this bill will pass. NO CHANGE SB 1789: Cancer Drug Parity Act of 2013: Introduced and assigned to committee; hearings pending.

NO CHANGE HR 2480: Nurse & Healthcare Worker Protection Act of 2013 directs the Secretary of Labor to issue an

OSHA standard for safe patient handling, mobility and injury prevention to reduce injuries to patients, nurses, and all other health care workers. Introduced and referred to committee in mid 2013; no committee report to date. NO

CHANGE

HR 3833: Obviates the requirement for physician signature on orders for Durable Medical Equipment (DME) prescribed by an NP, PA, CNS; requirement for a face-to-face encounter with a health

professional to assess necessity of the equipment is still required. Remains in House Ways and Means Committee. NO CHANGE

Log on to our CCONS website at www.columbus.vc.ons.org/ Log on to our national website at www.ons.org

Log on to our Facebook site at

https://www.facebook.com/columbuschapterONS

FROM THE EDITOR Happy fall to all CCONS members! I have always loved the fall and welcome it more than ever as I embrace the warmth of menopausal hot flashes! LOL! My apologies for the lateness of this issue but sometimes, even computers generate too much heat for me these days. Don’t forget that Columbus is hosting the ONS fall conference in October. CCONS’ monthly programs are resuming this month and the chapter is in full gear planning our upcoming activities. Please send me information, articles, and pictures for both the quarterly newsletter and our website. Please note that I work at The James which makes it easier for me to get information about our James members. I very much welcome anyone from other institutions to send me information about what is happening with your facilities. Have a great fall! Barbara Paxson RN

LINK is the official newsletter of the Columbus Chapter of the Oncology Nursing Society and is the winner of the 2012 ONS Newsletter Award for a large chapter. It is published quarterly.

Submissions are encouraged and will be published, subject to editing. Please submit your information, ideas, and accomplishments to:

barbpaxson1063@gmail.com

CCONS Board and Committee Leaders

President………Bertie Ford President-Elect……

Past President………....... Kris Mathey Treasurer………………...Gail Rhodes Secretary………………...Sonia Alcott

Director at Large………....Beth Stevens & Tim Phillips Community Outreach…… Maria Tucker Historian…………………. Lisa Fransisco

Spring Conference…….Ilene Lattimer & Lisa Masten Membership…… Alicia DeFrancesco & Maureen Buckner Nominating……… Alicia DeFrancesco & Shirley Blanton Program…….Angie Edwards-Abbey & Lisa Radebaugh

Scholarship………………Colleen O’Leary Legislation….Jennifer Guy, Tammy Lamb, Sarah Eichner, & Amy Tootle

Newsletter and VC……...Barbara Paxson Student SIG……….Diana McMahon

Vendor Liaison........Alicia DeFrancesco & Bertie Ford Fundraising..........Bertie Ford & Maureen Buckner

LINK

SUBMISSION DEADLINES:

February 15 May 15

August 15 November 15

PUBLISH DATES:

March 1 June 1

September 1 December 1