|
 Legislative Council
Purpose
The purpose of the ISPN legislative Council is to develop awareness of issues critical to practice
, education and research in Psychiatric Nursing. Issues critical to the clients we serve are also of great interest
to us. The role of the legislative Council is to communicate current issues in social policy to the ISPN
Membership. Thus ISPN has initiated involvement in Social Policy committees and Professional Nursing
Organizations that aim to improve quality of care and practice in Psychiatric Nursing.
The Nursing Community
At the 2010 Annual ISPN Meeting the Legislative Council proposed that ISPN become a member of “The Nursing
Community”. Membership was approved by the ISPN Board. “The Nursing Community” is a forum for
professional nursing and related organizations that collaborate on a wide spectrum of health care and nursing
issues including practice, education, and research. These organizations are committed to promoting America’s
health through nursing care. Collectively, the Nursing Community represents over 850,000 registered nurses
(RNs), advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), nurse executives, nursing students, and nursing faculty.
Together, organizations work collaboratively to increase funding for the Nursing Workforce Development
programs, authorized under Title VIII of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 296 et seq.) so that American
nurses have the support needed to provide high quality care to their patients.
Nursing Workforce Development Programs
The Nursing Workforce Development programs, authorized under Title VIII of the Public Health Service Act (42 U
.S.C. 296 et seq.), have supported the supply and distribution of qualified nurses to meet our nation’s healthcare
needs since 1964. Over the last 45 years, these programs have addressed all aspects of nursing shortages –
education, practice, retention, and recruitment. The Title VIII programs bolster nursing education at all levels,
from entry-level preparation through graduate study, and provide support for institutions that educate nurses for
practice in rural and medically underserved communities. Today, the Title VIII programs are essential to solving
the current national nursing shortage. Between FY 2006 and 2008, the Title VIII programs supported 214,575
nurses and nursing students as well as numerous academic nursing institutions, and healthcare facilities.
Title VIII Effectiveness
Results from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s (AACN) 2009-2010 Title VIII Student Recipient Survey included responses from 1,420 students who noted that these programs played a critical role in funding
their nursing education. The survey showed that three-quarters of the students receiving Title VIII funding are
attending school full-time. By supporting full-time students, the Title VIII programs are helping to ensure that
students enter the workforce without delay. The programs also address the current demand for primary care
providers. A high percentage of the students surveyed (49.1%) reported that their career goal is to become a
nurse practitioner. Approximately 80% of nurse practitioners provide primary care services throughout the United
States. Additionally, the nurse faculty shortage continues to inhibit the ability of nursing schools to increase
student capacity and address the shortage. Of the students who responded to the survey, 40.5% stated their ultimate career goal was to become nurse faculty.
For more information about Title VIII including current funding levels, click on the brochure link below.
Title VIII of the Public Health Service Act (PDF 1M)
Legislative Council Chair
Karen M Robinson PhD, PMHCNS- BC, FAAN
Professor
Executive Director, Volunteer Caregivers Program
University of Louisville School of Nursing
HSC K Building, RM 4039
Louisville, KY 40292
Phone: 502-852-8512
FAX 502-852-8783
Email: kmrobi01@louisville.edu
Click here to view ISPN updates on legislative issues and bills of interest to members. Many are being
sponsored by our organization.
|
