HARRISBURG – Marking National Nurses Day, Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) today introduced legislation that could expand the number of nursing education programs in Pennsylvania and help improve the quality of life for current nurses.
Due to a discrepancy in Pennsylvania state licensure law, only regionally accredited education institutions can offer RN education programs.
House Bill 2112 would clarify that applicants for licensure as a registered nurse (RN) or advanced practice nurse must have received education from an institution accredited by an agency approved by the U.S. Department of Education. This would include both national and regional accreditation agencies.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, our nurses have been on the front lines providing the best care for patients day in and day out,” Bernstine said. “As we offer our sincerest gratitude to our nurses throughout National Nurses Week, we must also consider what we can do to ensure they have adequate support in the future. This will have a direct impact on our health care professionals and the quality of patient care.”
Research indicates that nursing shortages are linked to higher infection rates, higher readmission, higher mortality rates and poorer patient outcomes. In addition, nurses can experience a better quality of life at more adequately staffed facilities.
“Opening the Pennsylvania RN education market to nationally accredited institutions may help increase nursing employment, which, in turn, could lead to reduced stress levels and improved job satisfaction for our nurses and health care professionals.”
For more information about this legislation, or any other state-related topic, contact Bernstine’s district office in Ellwood City at 724-752-2120. Information can also be found online at RepBernstine.com or Facebook.com/RepBernstine.
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