The Pew Commission Report: nursing's challenge to address it

Area of Science:

• Health Policy
• Healthcare Workforce
• Professional Regulation

Background:

• The Pew Health Professions Commission, established in 1989, analyzes challenges in the evolving healthcare system.
• The Commission aims to guide health professionals, policymakers, and educators in adapting to healthcare changes.
• Its work focuses on public health protection through regulation and proposes reforms for licensure and certification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight critical issues in nursing licensure reform.
• To examine public and professional drivers of change impacting licensure.
• To explore alternative regulatory approaches for nursing practice across states.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the Pew Health Professions Commission's report, 'Reforming Health Care Workforce Regulation: Policy Considerations for the 21st Century'.
• Incorporation of key concepts from a presentation by Commissioner Barbara Donaho at ANNA's 28th National Symposium.
• Discussion of policy considerations for state-level regulatory reform.

Main Results:

• The Commission's report includes 10 recommendations for reforming health care workforce regulation.
• Key themes emphasize articulating licensure issues, understanding forces of change, and considering alternatives for practice mobility.
• The need for an aggressive and swift nursing response to proposed healthcare reform is underscored.

Conclusions:

• Nursing must actively engage in discussions surrounding licensure reform to protect the public.
• State-level reforms should facilitate, not hinder, nurses' ability to practice nationwide.
• A proactive and informed approach is essential for nurses to navigate and influence healthcare reform.