Legislative Session

MNA continues to be a successful advocate for patient safety and the quality of nursing education. During this past legislative session, MNA blocked the passage of SB 205, a bill that would have had negative implications for nurses and patients.

 

MNA has continued its work on the issues raised by that legislation. This summer, MNA was an active participant in a workgroup established by the Maryland Board of Nursing to examine issues related to licensure of graduates of distance learning programs. The workgroup voted to support existing requirements for clinical learning experiences for all new graduates applying for licensure. If a nurse has graduated from a distance learning program that does not meet existing requirements, that nurse would need to have at least 1,000 hours of clinical practice in one-year as well as a license from another state or country. The workgroup’s recommendations have been supported by the Maryland Board of Nursing. There may be some changes in regulations that reflect the recommendations of the workgroup.

 

MNA was among the majority on the workgroup supporting the recommendations. MNA’s work, along with the strong leadership of many other nursing organizations, will help ensure that Maryland maintains high standards for the quality of the educational experience for nurses.

 

 

MNA honored Delegate Jim Hubbard (District 23A – Prince George’s County) as Legislator of the Year at MNA’s annual convention. MNA recognized Delegate Hubbard because of his long-standing, successful leadership on protecting children from health hazards posed by Bisphenol-A (BPA). This year, his House Bill 15 – Child Care Articles Containing BPA - Prohibition passed the House in a major step towards victory. MNA will be working diligently next session to help Delegate Hubbard secure passage in the Senate, the final step in the successful enactment of the bill. Once passed, the bill will ban BPA from child care articles commonly used by children under the age of 3.

 

MNA needs your help in our work on the BPA issue. If you would like to volunteer for any task, ranging from writing a letter to your legislators to testifying in Annapolis, please contact the legislative committee.

 

 

MNA honored Karen L. Minor, MS, CRNP with the Rosalie Silber Abrams Legislative Award at their annual convention on October 15, 2009. This award is given to a MNA member who has made a significant contribution on behalf of nursing in the legislative arena. MNA recognized Karen Minor for her outstanding work to promote access for nurses to the legislative process in Maryland. She is a member of MNA’s Legislative Committee and has served as chair of the MNA Nurse Lobby Day for the past two years. During her tenure, Karen has created a new Student Nurse Day and in 2009, organized one of the best events for nurses ever hosted by MNA in Annapolis, MD.