Dailey's Nurse Protection Bill Approved by House

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

from psna enewsletter...sorry didn't copy 1st time posted

legislation corrects lack of regulation.

the fight for improved patient safety standards and increased protection for nurses received a boost today, as the house unanimously voted to approve legislation authored by rep. mary ann dailey (r-montgomery).

"the delegation of duties by registered nurses to unlicensed personnel is a routine occurrence in hospitals, long-term care facilities, schools, ambulatory care facilities, community centers as well as many others," dailey said. "however, the professional nursing law, which governs the practice of registered nurses, does not contain language that defines this activity. my legislation allows the creation of a statute to develop such a regulation."

if signed into law, dailey's legislation would amend the professional and practical nursing laws allowing the state board of nursing the authority to regulate the delegation of nursing functions for registered and licensed practical nurses to unlicensed personnel.

specifically, house bills 1720 and 1723 would allow a registered and licensed practical nurse to delegate duties if the delegation:

- is consistent with the standards of acceptable nursing practices by the pennsylvania nursing community.

- is not prohibited by regulations promulgated by the state board of nursing.

- is not prohibited by statute or regulation relating to other health care professionals.

"this legislation is a commonsense measure that will give registered and practical nurses more flexibility in carrying out their professional duties," said rep. tom gannon (r-delaware), chairman of the house professional licensure committee. "i was pleased to be able to hold hearings on this legislation this past spring and move it to the house for consideration."

dailey said her legislation has been the focus of the state board of nursing and received the support of the pennsylvania state nurses association.

"my legislation is just another way my house colleagues and i are continuing our commitment to improved patient safety practices," dailey said.

the legislation now heads to the senate for consideration.

please email your senators.

http://capwiz.com/psna/legdir.tt?command=statedir&state=pa

sending tom gannon, my rep. a thank you note. glad he's listening to his constituents...got a slew of emails from me in past two weeks.