State bill introduced by Bernstine that could help with nurse staffing issues

HARRISBURG — State Rep. Aaron Bernstine, R-10, New Beaver, introduced legislation, this week that he said will expand the number of nursing education programs in Pennsylvania and help improve the quality of life for current nurses.

House Bill 2278 would clarify that applicants for licensure as a registered nurse (RN) or advanced practice nurse must have received education from an institution accredited by an agency approved by the U.S. Department of Education. This would include both national and regional accreditation agencies.

Due to a discrepancy in Pennsylvania state licensure law, only regionally accredited educational institutions can offer RN education programs.

“Our nurses do more than care for individuals,” said Bernstine. “They are at the forefront of change in health care and public health. During the COVID-19 pandemic, our nurses have been providing the best care for patients. We must consider what we can do to ensure they have adequate support in the future. This will have a direct impact on our health care professionals and the quality of patient care.”

Research indicates that nursing shortages are linked to higher infection rates, higher readmission, higher mortality rates and poorer patient outcomes. In addition, nurses can experience a better quality of life at more adequately staffed facilities.

“Opening the Pennsylvania RN education market to nationally accredited institutions may help increase nursing employment, which, in turn, could lead to reduced stress levels and improved job satisfaction for our nurses and health care professionals,” Bernstine said.

This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: Bernstine introduces bill to help with nurse accreditation