Public Health Nursing Act
Summary
The Public Health Nursing Act aims to bolster the public health nursing workforce by providing grants to state, local, and territorial health departments. These grants will fund the recruitment, hiring, and training of registered nurses to serve as public health nurses, especially in underserved areas. The Act also prioritizes services for populations with high rates of chronic disease, infant mortality, and maternal morbidity.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would increase the number of public health nurses available to serve communities. This would be achieved through increased funding and resources for public health departments. The bill authorizes $5 billion annually from 2026 through 2035 for these activities.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to healthcare services, particularly in medically underserved areas.
- Improved maternal and infant health outcomes through enhanced prenatal and postpartum care.
- Strengthening of public health infrastructure at the state, local, and territorial levels.
- Job creation and training opportunities for registered nurses.
- Enhanced capacity to address chronic diseases and other public health challenges.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased federal spending and budget deficits.
- Risk of inefficient allocation of grant funds if not properly managed.
- Possible administrative burden on state and local health departments to comply with grant requirements.
- Dependence on continued federal funding, which may be subject to future budget cuts.
- The bill does not address the root causes of health disparities, focusing primarily on workforce expansion.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The Public Health Nursing Act aligns with the Constitution's mandate to "promote the general Welfare" (Preamble). Congress has the power to tax and spend for the general welfare, as outlined in Article I, Section 8. The Act's focus on public health and healthcare access falls within this broad constitutional authority.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).