Congress on Health Policy and Legislation Reconvenes “Blue Ribbon Commission”

In 1994 – 1995 the Cabinet on Legislation in conjunction with the Department of Legislation and Government Affairs and the Safe Care Committee convened a special working group whose specific task was to look for legislative solutions to the problems identified by nurses throughout the Commonwealth about the safety of patient care. The Blue Ribbon Commission was composed of MNA members from all areas of nursing practice: staff nursing, education, nursing administration, advanced practice nursing, long term care and community health. The ideas generated resulted in such legation and law as: the Identification of the Health Care Provider, the Health Care Whistle Blower, Sufficient Nursing Care, Comparative Nursing Care Data, Nursing Clinics and Safe Medication Administration.

Now, the Congress is cognizant of the looming nursing shortage and continued “safe care” issues. While the MNA has realized some significant legislative victories, with the passage of the Identification bill, and the pending passage of the health care whistle blower bill, there is a real need “to do more”. Therefore, the Congress is looking for members to self identify if they wish to be part of the “reconvened” group. Your participation will most likely to be an intense, enriching and short term commitment. Our goal is to identify and shape new legislative ideas by the beginning of Summer 2000.

If you want to be part of this group, please call Martha Campbell of the MNA for more information at 781.821.5725 or contact: Michael D’Intinosanto, the Congress Chair at dintokeith@net1plus.com.