PA: Support legislation for Chief Nursing Officer of the Commonwealth

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Apr 7, 2015

Action Alert from the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association

In the next few days, a bill introducing a Chief Nursing Officer of the Commonwealth (HB 389) will come up for a vote in the House Health Committee. As you know, registered nurses are underrepresented on boards and committees, particularly at the State level.

RNs are involved in the entire spectrum of care and have a unique perspective, regardless of specialty. In line with recommendations by the Institute of Medicine (IOM), HB 389 will give RNs a voice within our State government, as well as directly to the Governor.

If you haven't already done so -- take action today by contacting your representative and urge them to support HB 389.

Click here to quickly contact your representative.

From: Representative Donna Oberlander

In the near future, I plan on introducing legislation that will name a Chief Nursing Officer of the Commonwealth (CNO of the Commonwealth). The CNO of the Commonwealth will fill a void in the Department of Health and will be modeled from the roles of the Physician General. The role of the CNO of the Commonwealth will include:

(1) Advise the Governor and the secretary on health policy.
(2) Participate in the decision-making process of the department on policies relating to all nursing and public health-related.
(3) Review professional standards and practices in nursing and public health.
(4) Consult with recognized experts on nursing and public health matters.
(5) Provide advice on nursing and public health.
(6) Coordinate educational, informational and other programs for the promotion of wellness, public health and related nursing issues in this Commonwealth and serve as the primary advocate for these programs.
(7) Consult with experts in this Commonwealth and other states regarding healthcare research, innovation and development which relate to programs and issues of importance to the department and the Commonwealth.

Registered Nurses are the largest licensed professionals in the Commonwealth and play and integral role in shaping the health care environment. It is imperative that the General Assembly and Governor include Registered Nurses and other members of the health delivery team in health care related decisions.