Public Health Nursing Act

Expansion of Nursing Workforce: The Secretary is tasked with establishing, expanding, and sustaining a publics health nursing workforce through grants to various health departments (Section 2, subsection a).

Support for Medically Underserved Areas: Funds can be used for recruiting and hiring registered nurses to serve in medically underserved areas (Section 2, subsection b, paragraph 1, subparagraph A, clause i).

Improved Access via Mobile and Home Care: The bill allows for nurses to work in public health facilities, mobile health clinics, acute care hospitals, or via home visitation (Section 2, subsection b, paragraph 1, subparagraph A, clause ii).

Targeted Aid for Vulnerable Groups: Priority is given to those serving populations with high rates of chronic disease, infant mortality, or maternal morbidity and mortality; low-income populations; health professional shortage areas; and rural or traditionally underserved populations (Section 2, subsection c, paragraph 1).

Culturally Appropriate Care: The bill encourages plans to provide services in a language and cultural context appropriate to the individuals being served (Section 2, subsection c, paragraph 2).

Comprehensive Health Services: Nurses can provide services and education regarding preventive health, nutrition, infectious diseases, chronic disease management, and maternal, prenatal, and postpartum care (Section 2, subsection e).