MEMO: Legislative Update 1

MEMO

To: ANA Vermont Membership

From: ANA Vermont Government Affairs Committee

Date: January 12 2023

RE: Legislative Update - 1

 

The 2023-2024 legislative session started in Vermont this week with Representatives convening in person and being sworn in. In this upcoming session ANA-Vermont will partner with Legislators to focus on the following issues:

 

• Workplace Violence (WPV): According to the ANA, one in four nurses has reported that they were the victim of assault, and it is estimated that only 30-60% of incidents are reported ( #endnurseabuse ). In 2022, ANA Vermont hosted two WPV virtual forums that connected Vermont nurses with their county State’s Attorneys. The forums provided an opportunity for nurses to engage with elected law enforcement to share their experiences and advocate for action to reduce the prevalence of violence against nurses.  The forums confirmed the need to intensify our advocacy efforts to protect nurses and all healthcare workers from violence through education about our rights, collaboration with law enforcement partners, and supporting state and national policy change. 

 

• Workforce Development: In 2021, the Vermont Talent Pipeline issued a report that forecasted over 6,000 nursing vacancies in the state by September 2023. The report cited an increase in Vermont nurses leaving the state for higher wages as contract nurses and noted that on average Vermont nursing programs graduate under 300 nurses per year, many of whom do not stay in the state to practice ( VTPM 2021 Nursing Needs Assessment Summary ). In the face of these challenges, ANA Vermont is committed to engaging in advocacy that  supports and sustains our nursing workforce. We are focused on legislation that will provide tuition support and student loan repayment, affordable housing opportunities, and resources to support high-quality and flexible childcare for our nursing workforce.

 

• Healthcare Reform: The ANA Vermont will advocate for legislation to improve patient care, and enhance nursing workforce wellbeing. The Legislature needs to take action to increase capacity for inpatient medical and psychiatric care as well as long-term care beds, and community placements.

• Climate Change: The ANA Vermont joined 32 nursing organizations nationwide to endorse The Joint Commitment Statement on Climate Change and Health prepared by our nurse colleagues at the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments ( ANHE ). The statement will be sent to Congress and clearly outlines the impact of climate change on the health of our communities and urges immediate action to decrease the ill effects of climate change. 

 

Throughout the 2023-2024 session, you can expect consistent and periodic update memos in your email and on our website ANA-Vermont with legislation impacting healthcare and nurses. Please take time to review the content as it is updated and provide us with any feedback that you may have. We want to hear from our membership to ensure that we are focusing on the issues that are important to Vermont nurses.

If you are interested in serving as a witness or to provide testimony, the ANA Vermont will help to support you! You may use the Contact Us Form on the ANA Vermont website at any time to reach the Government Affairs Committee.