Title VIII Reauthorization Introduced in Senate

On May 11, 2017, Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Richard Burr (R-NC), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2017. AACN commends the commitment of these Senators during National Nurses Week to bolster the pipeline of nurses for future healthcare needs. 

Earlier this year, Representatives David Joyce (R-OH), Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI), Doris Matsui (D-CA), Rodney Davis (R-IL), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Patrick Meehan (R-PA), and Kathy Castor (D-FL) introduced the House version, H.R. 959. Both bills would reauthorize the Nursing Workforce Development programs (Title VIII, Public Health Service Act) through Fiscal Year 2022 and make modifications that would modernize programs. This is a critical step toward ensuring the future sustainability of Title VIII.

Senator Merkley issued a press release supporting nurses with bipartisan legislation. 

“As the husband of a nurse, I hear firsthand about the challenges and successes that come with working on the frontlines of our health care system,” Merkley said. “Every day, nurses take on difficult, essential, and often thankless tasks that keep our health care system running and that have a huge impact on the patient experience. Each of us has a story about the nurse who made all the difference at a frightening or difficult time for our families. I’ll keep fighting to improve federal policy to fully recognize and support the essential role of nurses in our health care system..." 

AACN will continue to keep you apprised of this legislation's progress. Soon we will circulate an opportunity for you to contact your Senators directly about this important legislation. For more information about this legislation, visit our Workforce page.