Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson Introduces the National Nurse Act of 2013

Since the issue first came to my attention several years ago, I have strongly supported the passage of the National Nurse Act and the establishment of a National Nurse for Public Health. The following is a press release distributed on February 4th by the National Nursing Network Organization Board of Directors. It is reproduced with their kind permission.

Washington, DC—(Monday, February 4, 2013)—Today, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson introduced the bipartisan National Nurse Act of 2013. The National Nurse Act of 2013 would designate the Chief Nurse Officer of the U.S. Public Health Service as the "National Nurse for Public Health." The National Nurse for Public Health would function alongside the Surgeon General and focus on health promotion, improving healthcare literacy, and reducing health disparities.

"As the first registered nurse in Congress, I know from experience how nurses play a critical role in health promotion and disease prevention," said Congresswoman Johnson.

"Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease threaten the health of so many Americans. The National Nurse for Public Health would raise awareness about what each of us can do to prevent illness while improving our own health and that of our families."

The National Nurse Act of 2013, co-led by Congressman Peter King (R-NY), has gained the support of thirty original cosponsors.

 U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson is the highest-ranking Texan on the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure and a senior member of the Science Committee. She represents the 30th Congressional District of Texas, which includes Downtown Dallas, Fair Park, Kessler Park, Old East Dallas, Pleasant Grove, South Dallas & South Oak Cliff; all of Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Duncanville, Hutchins, Lancaster & Wilmer and parts of Ferris, Glenn Heights, South Grand Prairie, Oak Lawn, Ovilla, Uptown/Victory Park and West Dallas.

The National Nursing Network Organization’s Board of Directors and Advocacy Team extends their gratitude and appreciation for the leadership displayed by Congresswoman Johnson and Congressman King in reintroducing this important legislation. We also wish to thank the 30 original co sponsors for their support.

Finally, we would like to recognize the legislative staffers in the offices of Congresswoman Johnson and Congressman King for their hard work and support--special thanks to Lindsay Schubiner and Jamie Tricarico.

The next National Nurse Newsletter will be published soon. Over the next few weeks, we will be updating the National Nurse websites and signatory letter in support of the National Nurse Act of 2013. In the meantime, please don't hesitate to contact us with your ideas and feedback. Your support will be invaluable to realizing the success of this bill and we look forward to working with all of you in the months ahead.

Our best wishes,

Alisa, Debbie, Elizabeth, Teri, Terri, Sheryl, Susan
The National Nursing Network Organization Board of Directors