The State Or Federal Level
Research legislation that has occurred within the last 5 years at the state or federal level as a result of nurse advocacy. Describe the legislation and what was accomplished. What additional steps need to be taken to continue advocacy for this issue?
Sample Solution
Here are two examples of successful nurse advocacy that resulted in legislation within the last 5 years:
1. Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) Expansion
- Legislation: Several states have passed legislation to join the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) agreement in recent years. The NLC allows nurses with a license in one compact state to practice in another without obtaining additional licensure.
- Accomplishments: This legislation increases nurse mobility, addressing nationwide nursing shortages and facilitating disaster response efforts. Nurses can more easily find work in areas with high demand and readily assist in
Full Answer Section
- Next Steps: Advocacy efforts continue to focus on persuading remaining states to join the NLC, creating a truly nationwide system for nurse licensure. Additionally, ensuring smooth implementation and addressing potential challenges related to varying state practice regulations remains crucial.
- Nurse Education Funding
- Legislation: Several states have seen an increase in funding for nursing education programs in recent years. This can come in the form of direct financial support or initiatives like loan forgiveness programs for nursing graduates.
- Accomplishments: Increased funding helps nursing schools expand their capacity, train more nurses, and address the growing demand for healthcare professionals. It also makes nursing education more accessible by reducing student debt burdens.
- Next Steps: Continued advocacy is needed to secure stable and long-term funding for nursing education programs. Additionally, supporting innovative teaching methods and attracting more qualified individuals to the nursing profession remain important goals.
- American Nurses Association (ANA) Legislative Agenda: https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/advocacy/state/
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) Policy Statements: https://www.ncsbn.org/