As many of you may already be aware, there have been rumors circulating of our high school Wellness Centers closing. DSNA leadership is working to stay abreast of information as it unfolds to share with our membership.

An article published March 4th in the News Journal “Hospitals fear new costs for school centers” written by Jonathan Starkey outlined some of the challenges facing Wellness Centers after the 2011 school year. There is no mention of closure of the Centers but there is mention as to how they will be funded for 2011. Here is the link to the article: www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=20103040329

What do we know? DPH is exploring changes to Wellness Centers relative to billing procedures. One option being considered would be a fee for service model. There will be an informational meeting regarding billing practices and DSNA we will be represented at that session.

No decisions have been made at this time. A work group will be looking at ways to reduce Wellness Center costs and maintain their services. As information becomes available we will share with you via email and post on our website.

If you have concerns or questions about this topic, please contact Beth Light at elight@sussexvt.k12.de.us or by phone at 302-854-2819.

We are pleased to announce a new payment option for NASN and unified affiliate membership dues. School nurses will continue to have the option to pay full annual dues by credit card, check or PO. School nurses will now have the additional option of four installments charged to their credit card.

The installment option is available exclusively for new and renewal members who are using a credit card for payment. Membership dues for NASN and the unified affiliates can be automatically debited in four quarterly installments. The first payment is processed upon receipt of the application. Subsequent payments are charged every three months to the credit card. The member’s anniversary date is adjusted in increments of three months and is extended with each payment. There is a processing fee associated with the installment option. The cost is $5.00, $1.25 each quarter. This amount is 5% of NASN dues. In the event that payment is unsuccessful (due to an expired credit card), we will mark the membership as lapsed and contact the lapsed member by phone and mail. The member will not be eligible for benefits until the payment is made.

The Member in Good Standing (MIGs) report will change to reflect this new option. We have added a column entitled Frequency. This column will distinguish between members that are paying annually versus members paying in installments.

The monthly cycle that is currently in place for remitting dues to the affiliates will not change. For members on the installment plan, the dues will be remitted as they are paid, in one-fourth increments. This will impact affiliate cash flow, as remits will now include a mix of annual and quarterly dues. However, we are confident that this new feature will support membership growth and appeal to the member’s needs.

To Contact:

Jenelle Cooper 
Membership Director 
National Association of School Nurses 
8484 Georgia Avenue, Suite 420 
Silver Spring, MD 20910 
Tel: 240-821-1130
Fax: 301-585-1791

What can NASN do for you?
To find out, click here: NASN.org

Did you know that DSNA is a non-profit organization?

A few years ago, Sue Grant RN, past DSNA treasurer, worked very hard to complete the needed paperwork required by the IRS to change our status. DSNA now qualifies under the IRS Section 501(c) is eligible for special exemptions from all U.S. Federal income tax.

Because DSNA has non-profit status with the IRS, we were required to apply for Delaware Certificate of Incorporation. As of December 2009, DSNA became incorporated! Incorporation will also benefit the Executive Board members. Forming a corporation means that the founders, or incorporators, are creating a legal entity that exists wholly apart from the people involved with it. Since DSNA is a nonprofit corporation, we will have liability protection a corporation provides. For example, if DSNA were to be sued, the assets of its directors and members are generally protected because corporate assets are distinct from personal assets.