ANA\California on Upholding Nursing Ethics Amid VA Policy Rollbacks
- ANA California Staff
- Jun 18
- 2 min read
June 17th, 2025
SACRAMENTO, CA — The American Nurses Association\California (ANA\California) is deeply alarmed by recent changes made to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital bylaws under Executive Order 14168, “Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government.” These changes roll back explicit nondiscrimination protections—most notably, removing political affiliation and marital status as protected categories—and open the door to harmful denials of care based on non-clinical factors.
Describing these rollbacks as a “formality” is not only inaccurate, but dangerous. For women veterans and others who’ve had to fight for recognition and equitable treatment, this language dismisses legitimate concerns. In the context of military sexual trauma (MST), where even the bureaucratization of trauma is normalized through “standard forms” and witness requirements, calling this a formality feels especially hollow.
Let us be clear: This is not a minor administrative update—it is a fundamental shift that undermines patient safety, ethical standards, and public trust in the VA system.
“Nurses must never selectively decide who is 'deserving' of care based on ideological alignment. To do so violates both Provision 8.4 of the American Nurses Association’s Code of Ethics and the core principle of nondiscriminatory, patient-centered care.” - ANA\California Veterans Health Advisory Council
This policy opens the door to:
Discrimination based on non-clinical identity factors;
Worsened outcomes for already marginalized groups (women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and rural veterans);
Shifting of care burdens onto civilian health systems unequipped to meet veterans’ complex needs;
Long-term erosion of trust between veterans and the VA system.
We call for immediate action:
Restore inclusive protections. Re-establish explicit nondiscrimination clauses in VA policy and bylaws, with public clarity.
Ensure seamless care. Implement a failsafe system where any refusal of care automatically redirects the veteran to another provider—without delay or disruption.
Track and disclose refusals. Push for transparency in how often care is denied and to whom, enabling oversight and public accountability.
Engage nurses and veterans. Any changes to care access must include input from the professionals and communities most impacted.
If we allow political ideology to dictate who deserves care, we have failed not only our patients but the very meaning of professionalism. This is the moment to live up to our codes. Stand up. Speak out. Protect every veteran’s right to equitable, unbiased care.
Dr. Marketa Houskova, DNP, MAIA, BA, RN
Chief Executive Officer
1107 9th St. Suite 350 Sacramento, CA 95814
O: (916) 346-4590
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About American Nurses Association\California (ANA\California)
ANA\California is a bi-partisan professional nursing organization representing the interests of more than 500,000 licensed registered nurses in California. Our mission is to optimize nursing contributions to the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities. As a state-level professional advocacy organization, ANA\C has been extensively involved in legislative efforts supporting many bills, regulations, and policies that became California’s laws and are currently assisting in making California a place of Nursing Excellence.
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