Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act Advances Through Congress

This week, the House of Representatives passed the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act (H.R. 728). AONL and the American Hospital Association (AHA) support the legislation, which would reauthorize federal programs to develop the nursing workforce for five years. “This bipartisan legislation will help to ensure a robust and diverse nursing pipeline, which is critically important to rural and underserved areas,” said Robyn Begley, AHA senior vice president and chief nursing officer and AONL CEO. “The legislation also recognizes all four advanced practice roles and includes clinical nurse leaders as eligible providers for Advanced Education Nursing Grants and the National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice.” The Nursing Community Coalition, which includes AONL, praised the House Nursing Caucus for its work to pass the legislation. The Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Committee passed its version of the bill (S. 1399) on Oct. 31. AONL urges members to advocate for the bill by letting their senators know how Title VIII grants and loan forgiveness programs impact their communities.