Published July 10, 2019 
House Subcommittee to Mark Up Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act
On July 11, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health will consider multiple workforce bills, including H.R. 728, the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act. Watch this markup live and follow @AACNPolicy on Twitter for real-time updates.
U.S. Nurse Cadet Corps Service Recognition Amendment Advances
AACN members have proudly supported the United States Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition Act of 2019 (H.R. 2056/S.997). To advance this legislation, its sponsor, Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-IL-17), offered this bill as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
Late last night, this amendment was approved and is expected on the House floor in the coming weeks. Just like the bill, this amendment would provide honorable discharges, medal privileges, and burial benefits in cemeteries administered under the VA for those who served in the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps during World War II. AACN will continue to monitor the advancement of this vital legislation.
AACN Endorses Bill to Help Graduate Nursing Students
On June 26, Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA-27) reintroduced Protecting Our Students by Terminating Graduate Rates that Add to Debt (POST GRAD) Act of 2019 (H.R. 3418). This legislation would allow graduate students to receive Federal Direct Subsidized Loans, which would help to make post-baccalaureate education more attainable and affordable. This bill was previously introduced in the 114th and 115th Congresses.
AACN has been a longtime supporter of this legislation and has endorsed this legislation after previously endorsing the bill in the 115th Congress. AACN recognizes the need for graduate students to have access to Federal Direct Subsidized loans. In fact, according the AACN report, The Numbers Behind the Degree: Financing Graduate Nursing Education, 69% of graduate nursing students take out Federal loans.
In support of this legislation AACN sent a letter to Rep. Chu thanking her for introducing H.R. 3418, the POST GRAD Act of 2019. AACN will continue to monitor this legislation as it advances this Congress.
AACN Attends Briefing on Improvements to Patient-Centered Research
On June 26, AACN staff attended the Research!America congressional briefing on advancements in rural healthcare research and patient-centered solutions, hosted by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), the National Rural Health Association, and the American Heart Association.
Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) gave initial remarks on the role PCORI plays in research and was joined by other educators and healthcare specialists, including Dr. Debra Moser, Professor and Endowed Chair of Nursing from the University of Kentucky, College of Nursing, to discuss healthcare issues that impact rural and underserved areas. Panelists shared innovative research methods, results from the PCORI-funded study on the effects of lifestyle changes on cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, and how patient engagement is critical, especially in rural areas. Panelists also highlighted PCORI’s “actionable research” at the grassroots level and ways of addressing gaps in healthcare coverage, including the use of telehealth.
View this Congressional briefing and learn more about PCORI and their unique projects happening in your state.