Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. press release, July 23, 2002

с SEWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Second Congressional District of Maryland 1 407 York Rood, Suite 304 Lurtmvilk Morylond 21093 315 Conn on Housa Office Building Wadimgton, D.C 20515 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, July 23, 2002 CONTACT: Henry Fawell 202/225-3061 Congressman Ehrlich Backs Nursing Shortage Bill Maryland Short By 2, 000 Nurses WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Bob Ehrlich (MD-2) voted last night for a promising new effort to stem the chronic nursing shortage affecting Maryland and the nation. H.R. 3487, The Nurse Reinvestment Act, was overwhelmingly adopted in the House of Representatives. As a member of the House Subcommittee on Health, Congressman Ehrlich has championed this initiative since last year. Congressman Ehrlich stated, “With this vote, hospitals win, nurses win, and patients win. We could not have a functioning health care system without highly-trained nurses. This bill will get sorely-needed nurses to the front lines of our hospitals, where they have such a positive impact on our lives.” H.R. 3487 empowers the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to issue Public Service Announcements that advertise and promote the nursing profession. The aim is to highlight the advantages of being a nurse while encouraging individuals from low-income backgrounds to join a profession that is always in demand. The bill also establishes a scholarship program for eligible individuals. In order to receive scholarship assistance, these individuals must agree to serve at least two years at a health care facility in an area suffering from a nursing shortage. They must also be a full or part time student in a nursing school. In addition, HHS may work with nursing schools to operate a student loan fund to help nurses pay for their education. H.R. 3487 will also promote internships and residency programs that encourage mentoring and the development of nurse specialties. Nursing grants authorized under the bill can also be used to target underserved populations and high risk groups such as the elderly, HIV-AIDS patients, substance abusers, the homeless, and victims of domestic violence.