Review of a bill paper
Introduction
The legislation chosen for this paper is the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2021, which was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in February 2021. The bill aims to reauthorize funding for nursing workforce development programs and address the nursing shortage in the United States. This paper will discuss the major provisions of the bill, provide a background and relevant facts, identify key supporters and opponents of the bill, examine the impact of the bill on nursing practice, and suggest actions that nurses can take to support its passage.
Major Provisions
The Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2021 proposes to reauthorize funding for various nursing workforce development programs, including advanced education nursing programs, nurse workforce diversity grants, nurse education, practice, and quality grants, and geriatric education and training programs. The bill also includes provisions for improving diversity and cultural competency in the nursing workforce and increasing the number of nurse faculty to address the nursing faculty shortage.
Background and Relevant Facts
The nursing shortage in the United States has been a persistent problem for many years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for registered nurses is expected to grow by 7% from 2019 to 2029, which is faster than the average for all occupations. However, there are concerns that there may not be enough nurses to meet this demand. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of having an adequate nursing workforce to respond to public health emergencies.
The Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2021 builds upon previous legislation, the Nurse Reinvestment Act of 2002 and the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs, to provide funding for nursing workforce development programs. The bill has received support from nursing organizations such as the American Nurses Association, the National League for Nursing, and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
Key Supporters and Opponents
The Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2021 has received bipartisan support in the House of Representatives, with over 200 cosponsors. Key supporters of the bill include nursing organizations, healthcare organizations, and members of Congress who recognize the importance of addressing the nursing shortage.
Opponents of the bill have not been identified. However, the bill may face opposition due to concerns about the cost of the programs it proposes to fund.
Impact on Nursing Practice
The Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2021 would have a significant impact on nursing practice by addressing the nursing shortage and improving the diversity and cultural competency of the nursing workforce. By providing funding for nursing education programs and geriatric education and training, the bill would help to ensure that there are enough nurses to meet the growing demand for healthcare services. The bill would also help to address disparities in healthcare by increasing the number of nurses from underrepresented groups.
Actions for Nurses
Nurses can take action to support the passage of the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2021 by contacting their members of Congress to express their support for the bill. Nurses can also advocate for the bill by participating in grassroots efforts and joining nursing organizations that support the bill. Finally, nurses can educate themselves and others about the importance of addressing the nursing shortage and the potential impact of the bill on nursing practice.
Conclusion
The Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2021 proposes to reauthorize funding for nursing workforce development programs to address the nursing shortage in the United States. The bill has received bipartisan support and has the potential to improve the diversity and cultural competency of the nursing workforce. Nurses can take action to support the bill by contacting their members of Congress, participating in grassroots efforts, and educating themselves and others about the importance of addressing the nursing shortage.