4 DQ 2
There are currently seven nurses in Congress across the states. They have put forth many bills to be considered for the betterment of the nursing field. One is Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (GovTrack.us., 2021). The National Nurse Act of 2019 was a bill to designate the Chief Nurse Officer of the U.S. Public Health Service as the “National Nurse for Public Health” (GovTrack.us., 2021). The responsibilities of the position would task the National Nurse for Public Health with identifying and addressing national health priorities (GovTrack.us., 2021). This bill did not pass and died in a previous Congress although this bill was not enacted, its provisions could have become law by being included in another bill. The next step would be re-introducing this bill or attach its text to another bill that looks like a promising pass in the House and Senate. This bill gained support from many organizations and raised awareness of the need for nursing to be represented in the political arena.
Another bill that is currently being considered was introduced May 11, 2021 117th Congress (2021–2023). S. 1567: Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act of 2021, this bill is still pending and nurses and organizations need to call their congressman in support of this bill (GovTrack.us., 2021). This will help bring attention of its importance to all nurses. There are over 3 million nurses in the nation. Can you imagine the impact a call from just half of us would make in pushing a bill across the line? This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It will be considered by the committee next and then sent on to the House and Senate as a whole. When hospital administration fails to hear the voices and recommendations for safer staffing interest groups often pursue legislative action (Bartmess et al., 2021).
Research legislation that has occurred within the last 5 years at the state or federal level as a result of nurse advocacy. Describe the legislation and what was accomplished. What additional steps need to be taken to continue advocacy for this issue?
Using 200-300 words APA format with at least two references. Sources must be published within the last 5 years.
