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, particularly in underserved areas. The bill also prioritizes services for populations with high rates of chronic disease, infant mortality, or maternal morbidity.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this act would increase the number of public health nurses, especially in areas with significant health disparities. This would likely lead to improved access to preventive care, chronic disease management, and maternal health services. The Act authorizes $5 billion in appropriations annually from 2026 through 2035.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to healthcare in underserved areas.
- Improved maternal and infant health outcomes.
- Strengthened public health infrastructure at the state and local levels.
- Job creation for registered nurses.
- Potential reduction in chronic disease rates through preventive care.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased federal spending, potentially contributing to the national debt.
- Potential for bureaucratic inefficiencies in grant distribution and oversight.
- Possible competition for resources with other healthcare priorities.
- The effectiveness of the program depends on the ability of state and local health departments to effectively recruit and retain nurses.
- Maintenance of Effort clause may burden states with existing budget constraints.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The Public Health Nursing Act aligns with the Constitution's mandate to "promote the general Welfare," as stated in the Preamble. Congress has the power to enact legislation related to public health under the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8), as healthcare impacts the national economy. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, but this act provides grants to states, which they can choose to accept or decline.
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).