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THA Honors Sen. Nelson for Contributions to Health Care

ARLINGTON (Oct. 15, 2008) – State Sen. Jane Nelson (R-Flower Mound) today received the Texas Hospital Advocacy Tribute award in recognition of her legislative accomplishments on behalf of health care during the 80th session of the Texas Legislature in 2007. Texas Hospital Association President/CEO Dan Stultz, M.D., FACP, FACHE, presented the award at Harris Methodist Northwest Hospital in Azle, where Sen. Nelson toured the facility and met with hospital leaders.

“As one of Texas’ hardest working legislators, Sen. Nelson demonstrated yet again that she’s not afraid of a challenge,” said Stultz. “During the last legislative session she tackled reform of the state’s Medicaid system and filed numerous bills to address the state’s nursing shortage.”

“I am truly grateful for this award,” said Sen. Nelson. “Our hospitals play an indispensable role in the delivery of health care, whether it is delivering babies or providing trauma care or treating the uninsured. They are vitally important to the health and well being of every Texan, which is why it is so important that the challenges facing our hospitals are a major focus of our public health policies.”

In presenting the award, Stultz cited Sen. Nelson’s health advocacy work as chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee and as a member of the Senate Finance Committee. She championed a Medicaid reform bill emphasizing preventive care and patient responsibility while preserving the safety net for uninsured Texans. She sponsored Proposition 15, a constitutional amendment approved by Texas voters authorizing $3 billion for cancer prevention and research over the next 10 years. Sen. Nelson also filed 13 bills – nine of which became law – to assist with the recruitment and retention of nurses and nurse faculty as a result of her own interim studies looking at the critical nursing shortage.

“The nursing shortage in Texas is definitely improving because of Sen. Nelson’s efforts, and we look forward to working with her again on this critical issue,” Stultz said.  “She is a passionate and effective advocate for Texans and the Texas health care system.” 

THA created the Texas Hospital Advocacy Tribute award in 1997 to honor state legislators and other public officials who demonstrate leadership on issues important to hospitals and health systems. Sen. Nelson is one of nine recipients chosen from the 2007 legislative session. She also received THA’s award in 1999 and 2003.

About Texas Hospital Association
Founded in 1930, the Texas Hospital Association is the leadership organization and principal advocate for the state’s hospitals and health care systems. Based in Austin, THA enhances its members’ abilities to improve accessibility, quality and cost-effectiveness of health care for all Texans. One of the largest hospital associations in the country, THA represents more than 85 percent of the state’s hospitals and health care systems, which employ some 340,000 health care professionals statewide. To learn more, visit www.texashospitalsonline.org.

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