FYI:
In the January/February 2007 issue of Health Affairs, Dr. David I. Auerbach and colleagues estimated that the U.S. shortage of registered nurses (RNs) will increase to 340,000 by the year 2020. Though this is significantly less than earlier projections for a shortfall of 800,000 RNs which was made back in 2000, the study authors note that the nursing shortage is still expected to increase by three times the current rate over the next 13 years.
Current issues and pending legislation:
Stark Introduces Bill To Limit Mandatory Overtime For Nurses
House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee Chair Pete Stark (D-Calif.) has introduced a bill (HR 2122) that would limit mandatory overtime for nurses in cases in which federal, state or local officials declare a state of emergency. The legislation is co-sponsored by Rep. Steven LaTourette (R-Ohio). The American Nurses Association, the AFL-CIO and other labor organizations have endorsed the bill. Stark said, "We limit the time that truck drivers and pilots can work to protect public safety," adding, "Safe nursing is in the public interest as well" .Click here to send a message to your US Representative to ask him to SUPPORT this bill.
Nurse Staffing
S. 71 the Registered Nurse Safe Staffing Act of 2005 and H.R. 1372, the Quality Nursing Care Act of 2005. These bills would require the development of staffing systems with the input of direct care RNs and provide for whistle-blower protection for RNs who speak out about patient care issues. Click here to send a message to your US Representative to ask him to SUPPORT legislation mandating safe nurse/patient staffing ratios.
Click here to send a message to your US Senator.
Click here to send a message to your US Representative.