Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. press release, December 19, 2001

1407 York Rood, Suit* 304 Lulhorvilk Morylond 21093 NEWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Second Congressional District of Maryland 315 Cannon House Office Building Watbinglon, D.C 20515 j FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, December 19, 2001 CONTACT: Henry Fawell 202/225-3061 House Adopts Legislation To Address Nationwide Nursing Shortage WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Bob Ehrlich (MD-2) voted today to alleviate a nursing shortage nationwide and to protect patients around the country. The House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly this evening to pass HR. 3487, The Nurse Reinvestment Act of 2001 . Congressman Ehrlich stated, “In the wake of the September 1 1 attacks, health care is even more central to our lives. We have seen first-hand just how valuable the nursing profession is to those in need. This legislation will help us alleviate the shortage of well-trained nurses at a time when their service is critical to so many Americans.” H.R. 3487 amends current law to empower the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop and issue Public Service Announcements to advertise and promote the importance of the nursing profession. These announcements aim to highlight the advantages of being a nurse while encouraging individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds to join the profession. This legislation, which was originally introduced by Representative Lois Capps (CA-22), also establishes a scholarship program to allow the HHS Secretary to enter into contracts with individuals to serve in medically under-served areas. In return, the federal government will provide these nurses with scholarships to pay the cost of their education. Finally, the Nurse Reinvestment Act instructs the General Services Administration to conduct a study of the shortage of highly-trained nurse faculty, who are charged with educating bed-side nurses. Specifically, the study will assess the severity of the nurse shortage nationwide and also submit recommendations for alleviating the problem. Congressman Ehrlich continued, “I have been pleased to work with Representative Capps, the House leadership, and my colleagues in Congress on an issue of critical importance to our nation’s health care system. Today, hospitals win, nurses win, and patients win.” ###