Review of a Bill Assignment
Select an active bill at the state or federal level that impacts the professional practice of nursing. In a 3-4 page paper (excluding the title and reference pages), summarize the provisions of the bill and clearly explain what the bill (healthcare related) will accomplish. The paper should be no more than 4 pages, typed in Times New Roman using 12-point font, and double-spaced with 1″ margins.
Your review of a bill paper should:
- Discuss the major provisions of the bill.
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the legislation by explaining the background and all relevant facts.
- Discuss any relevant history related to the legislation, pertinent votes, and issues that are stalling the legislation, etc.
- Use primary sources for this information.
- Identify key supporters and those who do not support the bill. Explain why some of these individuals support the bill and why some do not.
- Explore the positions of the key stakeholders in the bill, both pros and cons. Do not make assumptions about potential key stakeholders. Examine this area carefully so you are correctly reflecting the stakeholders positions.
- Discuss how the bill would impact a nurse’s ability to provide safe and quality care or to practice to the highest scope of the nursing license.
- Explain specific actions that nurses can take to assist with the passage or defeat of the legislation
- Use APA format, headings and references as appropriate.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
The healthcare industry has been evolving with time, and so is the role of nurses in providing quality care to their patients. Nurses go through rigorous training and education to attain their licenses, which allows them to perform various tasks crucial for patient care. However, the scope of their practice is limited by the State and Federal laws. This paper will review the ‘Nurse Licensure Compact’ as an active bill at the state level, its provisions, and how it impacts nursing practice.
Discuss the major provisions of the bill:
The Nurse Licensure Compact, referred to as NLC, is an active bill that allows nurses to obtain a compact license that permits nurses to practice their profession in multiple states without any additional licensing requirements. The NLC is sponsored by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and will replace the current license requirements and process. The NLC will also contain adequate initiatives to protect the public from unsafe nursing practice.
Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the legislation by explaining the background and all relevant facts:
The NLC was first implemented in 2000, and its development has been a response to the evolving healthcare system. It authorized nurses to practice outside their state of origin without being re-licensed by the state where they will work. Currently, there are 33 states that have adopted the NLC bill, and it is reinforcing regularity for the nursing practice.
Discuss any relevant history related to the legislation, pertinent votes, and issues that are stalling the legislation, etc:
The NLC was amended in 2019, and currently, there are multiple bills presented in the House of Representatives and the Senate, advancing the access of the NLC. The NCSBN has been put under pressure by legislators to make sure the NLC encompasses patient privacy and protection measures. Some critics of the NLC argue that it may compromise nursing ethics and practice standards.
Identify key supporters and those who do not support the bill. Explain why some of these individuals support the bill and why some do not:
Relevant supporters of the NLC include the American Nurses Association (ANA), American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), and the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNP). Supporters believe that the NLC will minimize barriers to practice for nurses and allow access to quality care for patients. Those who oppose the NLC include the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), who drafted the bill. Their opposition to the NLC is based on their concerns about limiting state regulation and undermining the board’s authority.
Explore the positions of the key stakeholders in the bill, both pros and cons:
The American Nurses Association supports the NLC and argues that it would minimize barriers to practice for nurses and facilitate access to quality care for patients. Opposing groups believe that it would compromise professional standards and limit state regulation of nursing practice.
Discuss how the bill would impact a nurse’s ability to provide safe and quality care or to practice to the highest scope of the nursing license:
The NLC authorizes nurses to practice in multiple states quickly and flexibly without completing long and tedious licensing procedures. By doing so, nurses can provide safe and quality care to all patients in the region without legal barriers.
Explain specific actions that nurses can take to assist with the passage or defeat of the legislation:
To ensure the NLC bill passes, nurses can continuously stay up-to-date with information about the bill and work closely with professional associations to persuade legislators to support the NLC. Nurses should utilize their networks and social media platforms to lobby for the adoption of this bill.
Conclusion:
Nurses play a vital role in delivering quality healthcare to the general public. The nursing licensure compact bill can positively impact nursing practice and quality care, ensuring that there are no legal barriers to patient access across multiple states simultaneously. The NLC has broad support from professional nursing organizations, and while some opposition groups raise concerns about professional standards, the benefits outweigh the negatives, making the NLC a valuable step in nursing practice evolution.
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