Provide for a Nurse Corps Scholarship program to provide scholarships to individuals seeking nursing education in exchange for service from such individuals in a critical nursing shortage area upon completion of such education, a public awareness and education campaign encouraging pursuit of the nursing profession, an area health education centers program to develop models of excellence for nurses, community nurse outreach grants, educational assistance for nurses from diverse or disadvantaged backgrounds, career ladder program grants for nurses, nurse training grants, nurse internship and residency grants, a fast-track nursing faculty loan program, a stipend and scholarship program to encourage individuals to seek advanced nursing degrees, and a National Commission on the Nursing Crisis.
[Congressional Bills 107th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 721 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
107th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 721
To amend the Public Health Service Act to establish a Nurse Corps and
recruitment and retention strategies to address the nursing shortage,
and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
April 5, 2001
Mr. Hutchinson (for himself, Ms. Mikulski, Mr. Warner, Mr. Enzi, Mr.
Bingaman, Mr. Roberts, Mr. Frist, and Ms. Collins) introduced the
following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend the Public Health Service Act to establish a Nurse Corps and
recruitment and retention strategies to address the nursing shortage,
and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Nursing Employment and Education
Development Act'' or the ``NEED Act''.
SEC. 2. AMENDMENTS TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE ACT.
(a) Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program.--Section 846 of the Public
Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 297n) is amended by--
(1) in subsection (a)(3), by inserting ``in a skilled
nursing facility, in a home health agency, in a public health
department, in a nurse-managed health center,'' after ``in a
public hospital,''; and
(2) in subsection (g), by striking ``$5,000,000'' and all
that follows to the period and inserting ``$10,000,000 for
fiscal year 2002 and $15,000,000 in 2003 and 2004.''
(b) Grant Programs.--Title VIII of the Public Health Service Act
(42 U.S.C. 296 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``PART H--NURSE CORPS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
``SEC. 851. NURSE CORPS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM.
``(a) Program Authorized.--The Secretary shall establish a Nurse
Corps Scholarship program (referred to in this section as the
`program') to provide scholarships to individuals seeking nursing
education in exchange for service from such individuals in a critical
nursing shortage area upon completion of such education.
``(b) Purpose.--The purpose of the program is to assure that--
``(1) an adequate supply of nurses, at all preparation
levels up to the doctoral level, are available to meet the
nursing needs in critical nursing shortage areas;
``(2) an adequate supply of nurse educators are available
to meet the nursing education needs of the Nation; and
``(3) preference will be given to the preparation of
minority nurses and individuals who demonstrate greatest
financial need for nursing and nurse faculty scholarships.
``(c) Critical Nursing Shortage Area.--
``(1) In general.--The term `critical nursing shortage
area' means--
``(A) an urban or rural area that the Secretary
determines is experiencing a nursing shortage;
``(B) a population that the Secretary determines
has such a shortage; or
``(C) a medical facility or other public or private
facility that the Secretary determines has a shortage.
``(2) Factors to consider.--In making a determination
regarding a critical nursing shortage area, the Secretary shall
use the criteria in section 846 for not more than 12 months,
and after such period, the following:
``(A) The ratio of available nurses to the number
of individuals in the area or population group.
``(B) The demonstrated need of a medical facility
or other public health facility in the area.
``(C) The presence of innovative retention
strategies utilized by eligible facilities.
``(d) Eligibility.--To be eligible for the program an individual
shall--
``(1) be accepted for enrollment, or be enrolled, as a
full- or part-time student in an accredited nursing program;
and
``(2) submit an application for the program; and
``(3) submit a written contract, at the time of submitting
the application, accepting payment of a scholarship in exchange
for providing the required service in a critical nursing
shortage area.
``(e) Preference.--In selecting individuals to participate in the
program, the Secretary shall give priority to any application submitted
by an individual--
``(1) who has characteristics that increase the probability
that the individual will continue to serve in a critical
nursing shortage area after the period of obligated service is
complete;
``(2) who has an interest in a practice area of nursing,
including teaching nursing, that has unmet needs; and
``(3) who is from a disadvantaged background or
demonstrates the greatest financial need.
``(f) Application.--The Secretary shall create an application form
for any individual desiring to participate in the program, and include
in such form--
``(1) a summary of the rights and liabilities of an
individual whose application is approved (and whose contract is
accepted) by the Secretary;
``(2) information respecting meeting a service obligation
through private practice under an agreement; and
``(3) any other information that the individual needs to
understand the program, including a statement of all factors
considered in approving applications for the program.
``(g) Contract.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall prepare a written
contract for the program that shall be provided to any
individual desiring to participate in the program at the time
that an application is provided to such individual.
``(2) Content.--The contract described in paragraph (1)
shall be an agreement between the Secretary and individual that
states that, subject to paragraph (3)--
``(A) the Secretary agrees to--
``(i) provide the individual with a
scholarship in each such school year or years
for a period of years (not to exceed 4 school
years) determined by the individual, during
which period the individual is pursuing a
course of study; and
``(ii) accept the individual into the Corps
(or for equivalent service as otherwise
provided in this section); and
``(B) the individual agrees to--
``(i) accept provision of such a
scholarship to the individual;
``(ii) maintain enrollment in a course of
study until the individual completes the course
of study;
``(iii) while enrolled in such course of
study, maintain an acceptable level of academic
standing (as determined under regulations of
the Secretary by the educational institution
offering such course of study); and
``(iv) serve for required period of service
equal to--
``(I) 1 year for each school year
for which the individual was provided a
scholarship under the program, or
``(II) 2 years,
whichever is greater, as a provider of nursing
services in a critical nursing shortage area to
which he or she is assigned by the Secretary as
a member of the program, or as otherwise
provided in this section.
``(3) Limitation.--The contract described in paragraph (1)
shall contain a provision that any financial obligation of the
United States arising out of a contract entered into under this
section and any obligation of the individual which is
conditioned thereon, is contingent upon funds being
appropriated for scholarships under this section.
``(h) Payment.--
``(1) In general.--A scholarship provided to a student for
a school year under a written contract under the program shall
consist of--
``(A) payment to, or (in accordance with paragraph
(2)) on behalf of, the student of the amount of--
``(i) the tuition of the student in such
school year; and
``(ii) all other reasonable educational
expenses, including fees, books, and laboratory
expenses, incurred by the student in such
school year; and
``(B) payment to the student of a stipend of $400
per month (adjusted in accordance with paragraph (3))
for each month the student is enrolled.
``(2) Contract.--The Secretary may contract with an
educational institution, in which a participant in the program
is enrolled, for the payment to the educational institution of
the amounts of tuition and other reasonable educational
expenses described in paragraph (1)(A).
``(3) Monthly stipend.--The amount of the monthly stipend,
specified in paragraph (1)(B) and as previously adjusted (if at
all) in accordance with this paragraph, shall be increased by
the Secretary as the Secretary determines to be reasonable.
``(i) Breach of Agreement.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), if an
individual participates in the program under this section and
agrees to provide health services for a period of time in
consideration for receipt of an award of Federal funds for
education as a nurse, the following applies:
``(A) Failure regarding education.--The individual
is liable to the Federal Government for the amount of
such award (including amounts provided for expenses
related to such attendance), and for interest on such
amount at the maximum legal prevailing rate, if the
individual--
``(i) fails to maintain an acceptable level
of academic standing in the nursing program (as
indicated by the program in accordance with
requirements established by the Secretary);
``(ii) is dismissed from the nursing
program for disciplinary reasons; or
``(iii) voluntarily terminates the nursing
program.
``(B) Failure regarding service.--The individual is
liable to the Federal Government for the amount of such
award (including amounts provided for expenses related
to such attendance), and for interest on such amount at
the maximum legal prevailing rate, if the individual
fails to provide health services in accordance with the
program for the required time period.
``(2) Waiver or suspension of liability.--The Secretary
shall waive liability under paragraph (1) if compliance by the
individual with the agreement involved is impossible, or would
involve extreme hardship to the individual, and if enforcement
of the agreements with respect to the individual or facility
would be unconscionable.
``(j) Information of the Program.--The Secretary shall distribute
material regarding the program to junior and senior high schools,
community colleges, universities, and schools of nursing. The Secretary
shall encourage such schools to disseminate such material to the
students of such schools.
``(k) Service Information.--The Secretary shall provide to an
individual who has participated in the program and is nearing the
conclusion of his or her service obligation, information regarding
other opportunities for nursing in critical nursing shortage areas.
``(l) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the first loan cycle,
and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall prepare and submit to
Congress a report describing the program, including statements
regarding--
``(1) the number of enrollees, scholarship, and grant
recipients by year of study;
``(2) the number of graduates;
``(3) the amount of scholarship payments made for each of
tuition, stipends, and other expenses;
``(4) which educational institutions the scholar attended;
``(5) the number and placement location of the scholars;
``(6) the default rate and actions required;
``(7) the amount of outstanding default funds;
``(8) to the extent that can be determined, the reason for
the default;
``(9) the demographics of the individuals participating in
the scholarship program; and
``(10) recommendations for future modifications of the
scholarship program.
``(m) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section, $10,000,000 for fiscal year
2002 and $15,000,000 for fiscal years 2003 and 2004.
``PART I--NURSE RECRUITMENT
``SEC. 855. PUBLIC AWARENESS AND EDUCATION CAMPAIGN.
``(a) National Campaign.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall develop and
administer a comprehensive national multi-media public
education campaign to enhance the image of the nursing
profession, promote diversity in the workforce, encourage
individuals to enter the nursing profession, and encourage
career development for individuals in the nursing profession.
``(2) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to carry out this subsection, $5,0000,000
for fiscal year 2002, and such sums as may be necessary for
fiscal years 2003 and 2004.
``(b) State Campaigns.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall award grants to
eligible entities to establish the multi-media campaigns
described in subsection (a) at a State level.
``(2) Definitions.--
``(A) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity'
means a professional State nursing association, State
health care provider association, school of nursing,
and any other entity that provides similar services or
serves a like function.
``(B) State health care provider association.--The
term `State health care provider association' means a
professional association of hospitals, nursing homes,
home health care agencies, hospices, consortia of said
associations, or other such entities deemed eligible by
the Secretary.
``(3) Limitation.--An eligible entity that receives a grant
under this subsection shall not use funds received through such
grant to advertise particular employment opportunities or
recruit members or affiliates of such entity.
``(4) Application.--Each eligible entity that desires a
grant under this subsection shall submit an application to the
Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such
information as the Secretary may reasonably require.
``(5) Equitable broadcasting.--The campaigns described in
paragraph (1) shall be broadcast in such a manner as to inform
diverse populations throughout the State of nursing
opportunities, including rural populations.
``(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section, $5,000,000 for fiscal year
2002, and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 2003 and 2004.
``SEC. 856. AREA HEALTH EDUCATION CENTERS PROGRAM.
``(a) Program Authorized.--The Secretary shall award grants to
schools of nursing to expand the operation of area health education
centers under section 751 to work in communities to develop models of
excellence for school nurses, public health nurses, perinatal outreach
nurses, and other community-based nurses, or to expand any junior and
senior high school mentoring programs to include a nurse mentoring
program.
``(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section, $5,000,000 for fiscal year
2002, and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 2003 and 2004.
``SEC. 857. COMMUNITY NURSE OUTREACH GRANTS.
``(a) Program Authorized.--The Secretary, acting through the
Director of the Office of Rural Health Policy (of the Health Resources
and Services Administration) shall award grants to community-based
partnerships to establish programs to recruit and retain nurses.
``(b) Community-Based Partnerships.--The term `community-based
partnerships' means a health care provider and a community partner,
such as a school, nursing program, faith-based organization,
university, community college, public health department, State health
care provider association, professional State nursing association,
hospice care program or other entity deemed eligible by the Secretary,
that forms a partnership with not less than 2 other entities in the
community to develop a network to recruit and retain nurses in the
community.
``(c) Priority.--In awarding grants under subsection (a), the
Secretary shall give priority to--
``(1) community-based partnerships seeking to recruit and
retain nurses in rural communities and medically underserved
urban communities, and other communities experiencing a nursing
shortage; and
``(2) community-based partnerships seeking to address such
needs as dependent care, transportation, or others as deemed
appropriate by the Secretary.
``(d) Application.--A community-based partnership seeking a grant
under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such
time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary
may reasonably require.
``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section, $10,000,000 for fiscal year
2002, and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 2003 and 2004.
``SEC. 858. EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE IN NURSING REGARDING INDIVIDUALS
FROM DIVERSE OR DISADVANTAGED BACKGROUNDS.
``(a) Program Authorized.--The Secretary shall award grants to
eligible entities to assist individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds
to pursue nursing education opportunities and nursing career positions.
``(b) Eligible Entity.--In this section, the term `eligible entity'
has the same meaning given such term in section 801(1).
``(c) Use of Funds.--An eligible entity that receives a grant under
subsection (a) shall use funds received under such grant to increase
nursing education opportunities for individuals from disadvantaged
backgrounds, including by providing student scholarships, stipends,
pre-entry preparation, and retention activities.
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section, $10,000,000 for fiscal year
2002, and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 2003 and 2004.
``PART J--STRENGTHENING THE NURSE WORKFORCE
``SEC. 861. GRANTS FOR CAREER LADDER PROGRAMS.
``(a) Program Authorized.--The Secretary shall award grants to
eligible entities to develop programs that aid and encourage
individuals in nursing programs to pursue additional nursing education
and training.
``(b) Definitions.--
``(1) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means a
school of nursing or a health care facility, or a partnership
of such school and facility.
``(2) Health care facility.--The term `health care
facility' means a hospital, nursing home, home health care
agency, hospice, federally qualified health center, federally
qualified community health center, rural health clinic, or
public health clinic.
``(c) Use of Funds.--An eligible entity that receives a grant under
subsection (a) shall use such funds received through such grant to--
``(1) provide career counseling to individuals seeking to
advance within the nursing profession;
``(2) promote career mobility for nursing personnel by
providing training in a variety of settings and specialty
training; and
``(3) develop programs to facilitate educational
advancement for individuals with existing degrees or health
care training.
``(d) Application.--An eligible entity seeking a grant under
subsection (a) shall submit an application to the Secretary at such
time, in such a manner, and containing such information as the
Secretary may reasonably require.
``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section, $10,000,000 for fiscal year
2002, and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 2003 and 2004.
``SEC. 862. GRANTS FOR NURSE TRAINING.
``(a) Program Authorized.--The Secretary shall award grants to
eligible entities to encourage individuals to enter the nursing
profession with a focus on providing long-term care.
``(b) Definitions.--
``(1) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means a
school of nursing or a health care facility, or a partnership
of such school and facility.
``(2) Health care facility.--The term `health care
facility' means a hospital, nursing home, home health care
agency, hospice, federally qualified health center, federally
qualified community health center, rural health clinic, or
public health clinic.
``(c) Use of Funds.--An eligible entity that receives a grant under
subsection (a) shall use such funds received through such grant to--
``(1) provide education and training to individuals who
will provide long-term care; and
``(2) expand the enrollment in nursing programs, especially
programs that focus on training individuals in the provision of
long-term care.
``(d) Application.--An eligible entity seeking a grant under
subsection (a) shall submit an application to the Secretary at such
time, in such a manner, and containing such information as the
Secretary may reasonably require.
``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section, $10,000,000 for fiscal year
2002, and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 2003 and 2004.
``SEC. 863. GRANTS FOR INTERNSHIP AND RESIDENCY PROGRAMS.
``(a) Program Authorized.--The Secretary shall award grants to an
eligible entity to develop internship and residency programs that
encourage mentoring and the development of specialties.
``(b) Definitions.--
``(1) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means a
health care facility, or a partnership of a school of nursing
and health care facility.
``(2) Health care facility.--The term `health care
facility' means a hospital, nursing home, home health care
agency, hospice, federally qualified health center, federally
qualified community health center, rural health clinic, or
public health clinic.
``(c) Use of Funds.--An eligible entity that receives a grant under
subsection (a) shall use such funds received through such grant to--
``(1) develop internship and residency programs and
curriculum and training programs for graduates of a nursing
program;
``(2) provide funding for faculty and mentors; and
``(3) provide funding for nurses participating in
internship and residency programs on both a full-time and part-
time basis.
``(d) Application.--An eligible entity seeking a grant under
subsection (a) shall submit an application to the Secretary at such
time, in such a manner, and containing such information as the
Secretary may reasonably require.
``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section, $10,000,000 for fiscal year
2002, and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 2003 and 2004.
``PART K--NURSE FACULTY DEVELOPMENT
``SEC. 865. FAST-TRACK NURSING FACULTY LOAN PROGRAM.
``(a) Program Authorized.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary is authorized to enter
into an agreement for the establishment and operation of a
student loan fund with any public or nonprofit private school
of nursing to aid masters or doctoral level students.
``(2) Limitation.--Assistance provided under paragraph (1)
for a part-time masters degree program shall be provided for
not more than 6 years and for a part-time doctoral degree
program for not more than 7 years.
``(b) Agreement.--Each agreement entered into under this section
shall--
``(1) provide for the establishment of a student loan fund
by the school;
``(2) provide for the deposit in the fund of Federal
contributions, additional amounts received from other sources,
collections of principal and interest on loans made from the
fund, and any other earnings of the fund;
``(3) provide that the fund shall only be used for loans to
students of the school in accordance with the agreement and for
costs of collection of such loans and interest thereon; and
``(4) provide that the loan shall only be used to meet the
costs of projects that help individuals seek a masters degree
or a doctoral degree.
``(c) Limitations.--The total of the loans for any academic year
made by schools of nursing from loan funds established pursuant to
agreements under this section may not exceed $35,000 in the case of any
student. In the granting of such loans, a school shall give preference
to persons with exceptional financial need.
``(d) Terms and Conditions of Loans.--Loans from any student loan
fund by any school shall be made on such terms and conditions as the
school may determine, subject to limitations the Secretary may
prescribe (by regulation or in the agreement with the school) to
prevent the impairment of the capital of such fund while enabling the
student to complete his course of study, except that--
``(1) such a loan may be made only to a student who--
``(A) is in financial need of the amount of the
loan to pursue a full- or part-time course of study at
the school to obtain a masters degree with a
concentration in education or a doctoral degree; and
``(B) is capable, in the opinion of the school, of
maintaining good standing in such course of study;
``(2) such a loan shall be repayable in equal or graduated
periodic installments (with the right of the borrower to
accelerate repayment) over the 10-year period which begins 9
months after the student ceases to pursue a full- or part-time
course of study at a school of nursing, excluding from such 10-
year period all--
``(A) periods (up to 3 years) of--
``(i) active duty performed by the borrower
as a member of a uniformed service; or
``(ii) service as a volunteer under the
Peace Corps Act; and
``(B) periods (up to 10 years) during which the
borrower is pursuing a full-time or half-time course of
study in advanced nursing education at a school of
nursing;
``(3) the liability to repay the unpaid balance of such
loan and accrued interest thereon shall be canceled upon the
death of the borrower, or if the Secretary determines that the
borrower has become permanently and totally disabled;
``(4) such a loan shall bear interest on the unpaid balance
of the loan, computed only for periods during which the loan is
repayable, at the rate of 5 percent per annum;
``(5) such a loan shall be made without security or
endorsement, except that if the borrower is a minor and the
note or other evidence of obligation executed by the borrower
would not, under the applicable law, create a binding
obligation, either security or endorsement may be required;
``(6) no note or other evidence of any such loan may be
transferred or assigned by the school making the loan except
that, if the borrower transfers to another school participating
in the program, such note or other evidence of a loan may be
transferred to such other school;
``(7) any student receiving a loan shall agree to teach at
an accredited school of nursing for each year of assistance
after the masters or doctoral degree has been obtained; and
``(8) pursuant to uniform criteria established by the
Secretary, the repayment period established under paragraph (2)
for any student borrower who during the repayment period failed
to make consecutive payments and who, during the last 12 months
of the repayment period, has made at least 12 consecutive
payments may be extended for a period not to exceed 10 years.
``(e) Canceled Loan.--Where all or any part of a loan, or interest,
is canceled under this section, the Secretary shall pay to the school
an amount equal to the school's proportionate share of the canceled
portion, as determined by the Secretary.
``(f) Payments.--Any loan for any year by a school from a student
loan fund established pursuant to an agreement under this section shall
be made in such installments as the Secretary determines, and, upon
notice to the Secretary by the school that any recipient of a loan is
failing to maintain satisfactory standing, any or all further
installments of the loans shall be withheld, as may be appropriate.
``(g) Charges.--Subject to regulations of the Secretary and in
accordance with this section, a school shall assess a charge with
respect to a loan from the loan fund established pursuant to an
agreement under this section for failure of the borrower to pay all or
any part of an installment when it is due and, in the case of a
borrower who is entitled to deferment of the loan under subsection
(d)(2), for any failure to file timely and satisfactory evidence of
such entitlement. No such charge may be made if the payment of such
installment or the filing of such evidence is made within 60 days after
the date on which such installment or filing is due. The amount of any
such charge may not exceed an amount equal to 6 percent of the amount
of such installment. The school may elect to add the amount of any such
charge to the principal amount of the loan as of the first day after
the day on which such installment or evidence was due, or to make the
amount of the charge payable to the school not later than the due date
of the next installment after receipt by the borrower of notice of the
assessment of the charge.
``(h) Repayment.--Upon application by a person who received and is
under an obligation to repay, any loan made under this section, the
Secretary may repay (without liability to the applicant) all or a part
of such loan, and any interest or portion outstanding, if the
applicant--
``(1) failed to complete the nursing studies with respect
to which such loan was made;
``(2) is in exceptionally needy circumstances; and
``(3) has not resumed, or cannot reasonably be expected to
resume, such nursing studies within 2 years following the date
upon which the applicant terminated the studies with respect to
which such loan was made.
``(i) Applications.--The Secretary shall from time to time set
dates by which schools of nursing must file applications for Federal
capital contributions.
``(j) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section, $10,000,000 for fiscal year
2002 and $15,000,000 for fiscal years 2003 and 2004.
``SEC. 866. STIPEND AND SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM.
``(a) Program Authorized.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a
scholarship and stipend program to encourage individuals to
seek a masters degree or a doctoral degree at a school of
nursing.
``(2) Limitation.--Assistance provided under paragraph (1)
for a part-time masters degree program shall be provided for
not more than 6 years and for a part-time doctoral degree
program not more than 7 years.
``(b) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a scholarship or
stipend under this section, an individual shall--
``(1) submit an application to the Secretary at such time,
in such manner, and containing such information as the
Secretary may reasonably require;
``(2) enter into an agreement with the Secretary to accept
the scholarship in consideration for remaining enrolled in a
nursing school and teaching at an accredited school of nursing
for 1 year for each year of assistance with a course load
determined by the school of nursing where the teaching will
take place.
``(c) Application.--The Secretary shall disseminate application
forms to individuals and in such forms, include--
``(1) a summary of the rights and liabilities of an
individual whose application is approved by the Secretary; and
``(2) information respecting meeting the service obligation
described in subsection (b)(2).
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section, $10,000,000 for fiscal year
2002 and $15,000,000 for fiscal years 2003 and 2004.
``PART L--NATIONAL COMMISSION ON NURSING CRISIS
``SEC. 871. NATIONAL COMMISSION ON NURSING CRISIS.
``(a) In General.--There is established a commission known as the
National Commission on the Nursing Crisis (referred to in this section
as the `Commission').
``(b) Duties.--The Commission shall meet at least four times and
shall study and make recommendations to the appropriate committees of
Congress regarding--
``(1) agency initiatives and legislative actions that are
necessary to address the nursing shortage in the short and long
term;
``(2) nurse training, nurse recruitment, retention of
nurses, workplace issues for nurses, funding for nursing
programs in this Act and the Social Security Act, and
infrastructure issues;
``(3) the facilitation of career advancement within the
nursing profession;
``(4) attracting middle and high school students into
nursing careers;
``(5) nurse education issues; and
``(6) the effectiveness of current nursing recruitment and
retention programs, and what changes might be needed.
``(c) Membership.--Not later than 3 months after the date of
enactment of this section, the Comptroller General shall appoint
members of the Commission (taking into account rural and urban areas,
geographic diversity, and the diversity of the patient population
within such areas) which shall be composed of 19 members of whom--
``(1) at least \2/3\ of such members shall be nurses and
nursing assistants with different levels of education, and a
significant portion of such shall be currently practicing as
nurses; and
``(2) the other portion of such members shall be--
``(A) representatives of schools of nursing;
``(B) nursing students;
``(C) representatives of primary and secondary
schools;
``(D) representatives of the Departments of Health
and Human Services and Education;
``(E) representatives of public health departments;
``(F) representatives of employers and facilities,
such as hospitals, long term care facilities, and home
health agencies;
``(G) patients and representatives of patients;
``(H) representatives of professional nursing
associations;
``(I) representatives of health plans or health
insurance issuers;
``(J) union representatives who are nurses; and
``(K) representatives of other health care provider
groups.
``(d) Chairperson.--The Secretary shall serve as the chairperson of
the Commission.
``(e) Subcommittees.--The Chairperson shall have the authority to
create subcommittees as the Chairperson determines is necessary.
``(f) Staff.--The Secretary shall provide any staff that the
Commission shall require.
``(g) Quorum.--Nine members of the Commission shall constitute a
quorum.
``(h) Vacancies.--Any vacancy in the Commission shall not affect
the powers of the Commission, but shall be filled in the same manner as
the original appointment and shall be made not later than 30 days after
the date on which the Commission is given notice of such vacancy.
``(i) Compensation.--Members of the Commission shall receive no
additional compensation by reason of their service to the Commission.
Each member shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in
lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies
under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while
away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance
of services for the Commission.
``(j) Report.--Not later than 15 months after the date of enactment
of this section, the Commission shall prepare and submit to Congress
and the Secretary, a report that makes the recommendations described in
subsection (b) and reports on any best practices that such Commission
determines.
``(k) Sunset.--This section shall be effective for 15 months from
the date of enactment of this section.
``(l) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section, $500,000 for fiscal year
2002.''.
<all>
Introduced in Senate
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3546-3547)
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text of measure as introduced: CR S3547-3550)
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
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