Newswise — WASHINGTON, D.C., September 21, 2016 – The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) applauds the House Energy and Commerce Committee for taking up a series of public health bills, including approving the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act (H.R. 2713) and the Improving Access to Maternity Care Act (H.R. 1209). Both passed by a voice vote, which marks a monumental step in the legislative process toward becoming law. Regarding the Committee's advancement of H.R. 2713, which would reauthorize the Nursing Workforce Development programs and offers minor changes to modernize the programs, AACN Board Chair Juliann Sebastian stated, "AACN commends the Committee for taking the next step to support nursing education programs. Sustaining Title VIII through a bipartisan collaboration represents a critical investment in our nation's nursing schools, faculty, students, and the health of the public. The bipartisan collaboration between Representatives Lois Capps, RN, (D-CA) and David Joyce (R-OH) to spearhead this legislation is precisely the leadership needed to ensure the future sustainability of these programs." The Improving Access to Maternity Care Act would create a Health Professional Shortage Area designation for maternity care services. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services would then be able to place professionals who provide the full scope of maternity healthcare within the National Health Service Corps in these regions. H.R. 1209 was introduced by Representatives Michael Burgess, MD, (R-TX), Lois Capps, RN, (D-CA), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL). AACN thanks its members and the Grassroots Network for continuing to urge support for advancing these bills, which ultimately will impact the health of the public. AACN will keep you apprised as the legislative process continues to unfold during the remaining months of this Congressional session. For more background on AACN-supported legislation, including H.R. 2713 and H.R. 1209, visit AACN's Government Affairs web page. Stay informed on AACN's policy and advocacy by following us on Twitter: @AACNPolicy
###The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) is the national voice for academic nursing representing more than 790 schools of nursing with baccalaureate and/or graduate degrees nationwide. AACN's educational, research, governmental advocacy, data collection, publications, and other programs work to establish quality standards for bachelor's- and graduate-degree nursing education, assist deans and directors to implement those standards, influence the nursing profession to improve health care, and promote public support of baccalaureate and graduate nursing education, research, and practice. www.aacn.nche.edu
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