WASHINGTON – This week, the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously passed H.R. 728, the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2019, bipartisan legislation introduced by Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) and Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02), the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Nursing Caucus. This bill, which would reauthorize programs and grants that support the recruitment and retention of professionals for our nation’s nursing workforce, now awaits a vote on the House floor.

“With our nation on the verge of a nursing shortage, we need to do all we can to support recruitment and retention programs to ensure those who are interested in pursuing a career in nursing have access to the high-quality education and training opportunities necessary to do so,”said Dave. “I was pleased to see the House Energy and Commerce Committee recognize that need today by unanimously passing the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2019. I look forward to seeing this critical legislation brought to the House floor for a vote as soon as possible.”

“Supporting the education of nurses is essential to meet the increased demand for health services,” said American Nurses Association President Ernest Grant, PhD, RN, FAAN. “As the largest source of federal funding for nursing education, Title VIII is invaluable to prepare nurses to provide care across all practice settings and in rural and medically underserved communities. I want to thank Representative Dave Joyce for leading the efforts in the House of Representatives and I look forward to passage by the House in the near future.”

“As a nurse educator and dean, I have witnessed how essential the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs are for nurses and the health of our nation,” said Dr. Ann Cary, Chair of the American Association of College of Nursing (AACN) Board of Directors. “I applaud Rep. David Joyce, our House Nursing Caucus Co-Chair and sponsor of Title VIII Reauthorization, for his leadership in moving this legislation to the House floor.”

Title VIII programs directly invest in our nation’s health by addressing specific needs within the nursing workforce and America’s patient population. Importantly, these programs also provide targeted support for institutions that educate nurses for practice in rural and medically underserved communities, bolstering nursing education at all levels, from entry-level to graduate study.

“On behalf of all nurse educators, we would like to thank our nursing champions for their tireless efforts to advance this invaluable legislation,” said Dr. Deborah Trautman, President and Chief Executive Officer of AACN. “Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs are vital to the nursing profession and the healthcare delivery system.”

###