S. 547: Train More Nurses Act

The bill titled "Train More Nurses Act" is designed to enhance the nursing workforce in the United States by requiring a study and report on grant programs that support this field. Here are the main components of the bill:

Key Provisions

• The bill mandates that the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Labor work together to conduct a thorough review of all existing grant programs from their departments that provide support to the nursing workforce.
• Following the review, they are required to submit a report to Congress within one year of the bill's enactment, detailing their findings.
• The report must include specific recommendations for improving these grant programs to achieve the following goals:
  • Increase the number of nursing faculty members, especially in underserved areas.
  • Create pathways for nurses who have over ten years of clinical experience to become faculty in nursing schools.
  • Encourage and facilitate the transition from licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to registered nurses (RNs) to strengthen the nursing pipeline.

Purpose

The overarching aim of this legislation is to address the challenges facing the nursing workforce in the U.S., with particular attention to enhancing educational opportunities and faculty availability. This is critical for ensuring that there are enough qualified nurses to meet healthcare demands, especially in areas where access to care is limited.

Implementation Timeline

The bill establishes a timeline for these actions, requiring the report to be completed within one year after the bill becomes law, ensuring a prompt response to the identified needs within the nursing workforce.

Relevant Companies