AzPANA

ASPAN Governmental Affairs Committee

Reprinted with permission

 

 

Here are some national advocacy efforts that might be interesting and quick links to write letters (it just takes a couple of minutes to make a difference):

 

Future Advancement of Academic Nursing (FAAN) Act

Healthcare staffing shortages have reached a critical level, and Congress needs to act now to alleviate the burden this places on nurses. This is why the American Nurses Association has worked with Representative Lauren Underwood (D-IL) and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) to reintroduce the Future Advancement of Academic Nursing (FAAN) Act in Congress. This bill would make critical investments in schools of nursing to help rebuild the nursing workforce and ensure patients’ access to timely care. The FAAN Act’s reintroduction is a big step toward our shared goal of stamping out the nurse staffing shortage. However, we need additional lawmakers on Capitol Hill to cosponsor the bill to build the momentum necessary to get it through the end zone. This is where you come in. Urge your federal legislators to support this essential bill and help it reach the finish line. 

Urge your Federal Legislators to Co-Sponsor the FAAN Act!

Nurse Overtime and Patient Safety Act

Introduced by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Representatives Doris Matsui (D-CA) and Jen Kiggans (R-VA). Limits on work hours are commonplace in high-risk occupational settings where long work hours can adversely affect safety, performance, job satisfaction, and quality of life. Regulations to limit work hours have been in place since the 1930s, starting with the aviation, trucking, and marine industries. Read more here.

Urge your Members of Congress to Co-Sponsor this Bill. 

Dr. Lorna Breen Act

This act will expire in September if there is no action. This law increases healthcare workers' access to mental health and substance abuse disorder treatments and resources, including raising awareness and providing training to prevent suicide and burnout.  

Protect Nurses and their Mental Health 

Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act of 2023

This bill addresses burnout and will help keep nurses at the bedside. 

Urge Congress to Preserve Patient's Access to Nurses

Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act, H.R. 2663/S. 1176

This bill would require OSHA to develop and enforce specific standards to protect employees from workplace violence. 

Urge your Elected Officials to Co-Sponsor this Bill

 

Please let me know if you have any questions. Please let me know if you have a Governmental Affairs rep/chair who I can support. 

 

All the best, 

 

Angie Fenton, MS, RN, CNE

APSAN GA SWT Coordinator 

All these issues are from RN Action from the American Nurses Association. 

ASPAN is also a member of the Nursing Community Coalition.