IOWA NURSES ASSOCIATION 2003 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

1. FUNDING THE BOARD OF NURSING: Appropriate funds to reflect funding of the Board of Nursing with 100% of license and renewal fees collected.

2. TOBACCO REDUCTION INITIATIVE: Pass an increase of the cigarette excise tax by $1.00 per package to reduce tobacco use by Iowa's youth and strengthen the state tobacco use prevention and control program.

3. FUNDING OF NURSE RETENTION AND RECRUITMENT PROGRAM: Appropriate funding for the College Aid Commission to support registered nurses increasing their education to become nursing faculty and to support recruitment.

4. MANDATORY OVERTIME: Pass legislation similar to that passed in Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, Texas and Washington State which bans or severely limits the use of mandatory overtime as a staffing measure and which is defined as being compelled or forced to work hours beyond agreed upon assignments by threat of discrimination, dismissal, licensure discipline and/or other sanctions.

5. MENTAL HEALTH PARITY: Pass legislation providing for parity in health insurance for mental health to be no different than physical health coverage, with recognition for children and adolescents including services for chemically dependent and appropriate housing for individuals with persistent mental illness.

6. ASSISTED LIVING. Pass legislation that assures that registered nurses are available and utilized to provide services at their level of education to assess and evaluate residents and participate in policy-making discussion about the tenant's choice to stay in assisted living as long as they meet the criteria for the level of care; not forcing tenants to a higher level of care by unduly restrictive state regulations.

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