Very Important Legislation for PA Nurses--Make Your Voice Heard and Vote!
Posted about 4 years ago by Mary louise Neyhart
Dear Advocates,
PSNA would like to make you aware of several very important pieces of legislation that will directly affect your work as a nurse. These bills are all still pending, and we need passionate nurse advocates like you to help us get nurse-friendly legislation passed. Using Phone2Action, PSNA has made it easier than ever for you to let your elected officials know where you stand on nursing legislation. Please use the links below to contact your legislators and help us make life better for Pennsylvania's nurses.
Nurse Licensure Compact - Senate Bill 115
The Pennsylvania Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee has approved legislation that would make it easier for nurses to practice across state lines without having to obtain additional licenses. Senate Bill 115, which would authorize Pennsylvania to join the Interstate Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), awaits the approval of the full Senate.
The NLC allows for RNs and LPNs to have one multistate license, with the privilege to practice in their state and 35 other NLC states without obtaining additional licenses. If Pennsylvania implements the NLC, nurses will be able to practice in New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and West Virginia without going through the burdensome and costly license application processes. The NLC will increase access to care, protect patient safety, and reduce costs while supporting state-of-the-art healthcare delivery.
Take action today to ensure that Pennsylvania's 228,000 RNs and 49,000 LPNs get multistate licenses. Urge your Senator to vote YES on Senate Bill 115!
Patient Safety Act - House Bill 106 & Senate Bill 204
Nurses were the heroes of 2020 – they have been and remain on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. To us, they’ve always been heroes. But even heroes need help every now and again. Many nurses are tired and broken from a year that has tested them physically and emotionally. In our darkest days, we have leaned on them, but now it's time for them to lean on us.
However, challenges with understaffing existed long before the pandemic due to cost-cutting measures, increased disease complexity, and an aging population. Prior to COVID, chronic understaffing resulted in nurses who faced dangerous physical and emotional tolls, longer shifts, and exhaustion – all of which lead to increased risks for medical errors.
Click HERE to tell your legislators to support the Patient Safety Act now to support our nurses and protect our patients.
Chief Nursing Officer of the Commonwealth - House Bill 953
For decades, nurses have been severely underrepresented in state government. Although registered nurses are the largest segment of healthcare providers in Pennsylvania, the Commonwealth has yet to consider them full partners with other professionals in shaping our healthcare environment.
We must transform healthcare through strong leadership, including nurses. The CNO of the Commonwealth will:
- Advise the Governor and secretary on health policy
- Coordinate programs to promote wellness, public health, and nursing issues
- Review and improve professional standards and practices in nursing and public health
- Consult with national experts on healthcare research, innovation, and development
During the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic, the CNO of the Commonwealth could have efficiently disseminated information among the State Board of Nursing, the nursing workforce, and nursing organizations. Additionally, this role could have streamlined efforts to register volunteers to administer vaccines, expedite graduate licenses and license renewals, and suspend regulations. Most importantly, the CNO would have worked with other state agencies to provide current and critical information to the public.
Tell your legislators that Pennsylvania's nurses have earned their seat at the table.