IMPERATIVE ACTION WITH COVID-19 CONCERN: Movement on the Nursing License Compact Here in Michigan
Posted about 4 years ago by Dee Tyler
Please reach out to your representative TODAY regarding this issue. The vote in the Michigan House of Representatives TOMORROW!
If Michigan's COVID-19 cases increase beyond our state wide capacity this can be an important strategy to help licensed nurses from other states help Michigan citizens.
Find Your Representative at the End of this Announcement
Movement on the Nursing License Compact Here in Michigan
The American Nurses Association-Michigan and the Michigan Organization of Nurse Leaders, representing over 3000 nurse leaders, nurse educators, and frontline nurses, support Michigan joining the national Nurse Licensure Compact. We are currently experiencing a major infectious disease pandemic that requires movement of licensed registered nurses across state lines.
Michigan's healthcare systems and nurses are facing unprecedented challenges that require immediate action that will guarantee access to care while maintaining public protection. That is why nurses across the state are urging the Michigan legislature to pass HB 4042 and Governor Whitmer to sign it into law.
The legislation, sponsored by Representative Mary Whiteford, who is a nurse, would authorize Michigan to join 34 states that already part of a national Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC). The NLC is an agreement between states that allows nurses to have one license with the ability to practice in other states that are part of the agreement. This legislation is essential for Michigan's arsenal of emergency preparedness. Covid-19 is not the last epidemic we will encounter, and enacting this legislation into law will position us to be ready for future
events. This bill will enable healthcare organizations across all settings to rapidly deploy licensed registered nurses, including those with highly specialized skills, to provide care for patients in areas of need. It will also enable nurses to overcome the regulatory barriers that currently exist in providing care using existing and emerging technology such as interstate telehealth.
Late Tuesday evening, Governor issued an Executive Order. The Governor's order is only in effect while the state of emergency is in force. Once that ends, we are back to business as usual until the next pandemic or crisis occurs. We need to stop reacting to an emergency and have a process in place to be ready for the next time, and the NLC will be a good part of that plan.
Responding only in a crisis does not take into consideration the overall benefits that accrue from this measure. The reaction is never as positive as pro-action.
Both the House and Senate Republicans have worked tirelessly to get this passed, while the Governor and the Democratic Party have shown reluctance due to potential collective bargaining concerns. Let’s help convince our Michigan legislators across party lines that this bill is in the best interest of our citizens. Please keep reaching out to your Senators to vote yes on HB 4042. If they have already shown their support, tell them THANK YOU. Those that have assisted Michigan nurses during this urgent time need also to hear how much we appreciate their support.
At this time, the legislature is recessed, until Wednesday, March 25. ANA-Michigan Leadership is working with the bill sponsor, Representative Whiteford, and the NCSBN Lobbyists. We are going to continue to push for a vote on March 25.