Pennsylvania Makes It Easier for Foreign Nurses to Get Licensed

A new law in Pennsylvania makes it easier for foreign nurses to get certified in the state, expanding the potential pool of health-care workers as the state confronts a nursing shortage.

Act 22 updates nursing license requirements by allowing the State Board of Nursing to approve graduates of international nursing programs to sit for the registered nursing examination. So long as the education they received outside the United States meets the state board’s standards, graduates can get licensed much quicker than before.

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Measure Directs $225 Million to Recruit, Retain Pennsylvania Health Care Workers

Pennsylvania Republicans highlighted legislation Wednesday that is moving through the General Assembly to direct $225 million to recruit and retain health care workers for hospitals and behavioral service providers.

Leaders of the House and Senate gathered on the lieutenant governor’s balcony between the two chambers for a news conference on House Bill 253, sponsored by Rep. Clint Owlett, R-Tioga.

The legislation allocates $225 million to hospitals and behavioral and psychiatric service providers for retention and recruitment programs for staff. The bill is targeted specifically at nurses and other hospital employees, and it excludes hospital executives, administration, contracted staff and physicians.

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Ten States File Lawsuit Attempting to Block Vaccine Mandate for Health Care Workers

Ten Republican state attorneys general filed a lawsuit Wednesday against the Biden administration seeking to block its COVID-19 vaccine mandate for health care workers.

According to The Hill, the lawsuit is being spearheaded by Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt, who called the mandate “unconstitutional and unlawful.”

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