United States SRES 500: A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of the "International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife", as designated by the World Health Organization.

Bill Text

III
116TH CONGRESS
2D SESSION S. RES. 500
Supporting the goals and ideals of the ‘‘International Year of the Nurse
and the Midwife’’, as designated by the World Health Organization.
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
FEBRUARY 13, 2020
Mr. MERKLEY (for himself, Mr. WICKER, Mr. JONES, and Mr. WYDEN) sub-
mitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
RESOLUTION
Supporting the goals and ideals of the ‘‘International Year
of the Nurse and the Midwife’’, as designated by the
World Health Organization.
Whereas the World Health Organization has designated 2020
as the ‘‘International Year of the Nurse and the Mid-
wife’’;
Whereas 2020—
(1) marks the 200th birthday of Florence Nightin-
gale, the founder of modern nursing; and
(2) is an appropriate time to reflect on the high-
quality health care that nurses and midwives provide in
all settings across the United States;
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•SRES 500 IS
Whereas, with approximately 4,000,000 registered nurses in
the United States and 20,700,000 registered nurses
worldwide, nurses and midwives—
(1) represent nearly 50 percent of the global health
workforce; and
(2) comprise the largest component of the health
care workforce in many countries;
Whereas investing in nurses and midwives provides great
value to communities;
Whereas a report of the High-Level Commission on Health
Employment and Economic Growth of the United Na-
tions concluded that ‘‘investments in education and job
creation in the health and social sectors result in a triple
return of improved health outcomes, global health secu-
rity, and inclusive economic growth’’;
Whereas nurses and midwives have contributed to major
achievements in global health, including—
(1) the eradication of smallpox; and
(2) reductions in maternal and child mortality;
Whereas nurses and midwives are known to be patient advo-
cates, acting to protect the lives of the individuals under
their care;
Whereas nurses and midwives, in caring for patients and
their families in all stages of life, serve as vital members
of the health care workforce who improve patient out-
comes and safety;
Whereas better integration of nurses and midwives into
health care systems is reducing primary and maternity
care provider shortages and improving maternal health
outcomes;
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•SRES 500 IS
Whereas nurses promote healthy lifestyles and educate com-
munities on disease prevention and health promotion;
Whereas nurses and midwives are well-positioned to address
and reduce health care disparities that exist in the
United States, including with respect to maternal health;
Whereas many nurses are experienced researchers, and the
work of nurses encompasses a wide scope of scientific in-
quiry relating to clinical science, health systems and out-
comes, and nursing education;
Whereas nurses provide care that is sensitive to the cultures
and customs of individuals across the United States; and
Whereas many nurses can inform and work closely with legis-
lators to improve the—
(1) recruitment, education, practice, and retention of
nurses; and
(2) health and safety of the patients for whom
nurses care in all communities, including rural and un-
derserved communities: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate— 1
(1) supports the goals and ideals of the ‘‘Inter-2
national Year of the Nurse and the Midwife’’, as 3
designated by the World Health Organization; 4
(2) recognizes the significant contributions of 5
nurses and midwives to the health care system in the 6
United States; and 7
(3) encourages the people of the United States 8
to observe the International Year of the Nurse and 9
the Midwife with appropriate recognition, cere-10
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•SRES 500 IS
monies, activities, and programs to demonstrate the 1
importance of nurses and midwives to patients. 2
Æ
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