Supporting the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week, to be observed from May 6 through May 12, 2025.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 389
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-05-06: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-21T14:54:04Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This resolution (H. Res. 389) aims to express congressional support for the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week, an annual observance from May 6 (National Recognition Day for Nurses) through May 12 (the birthday of Florence Nightingale, founder of modern nursing). It highlights the vital role of nurses in healthcare and encourages public recognition of their contributions.
Key Provisions
- Background and Recognition: The resolution includes numerous "Whereas" clauses that outline the history and importance of National Nurses Week, established in 1991 by the American Nurses Association. It emphasizes nurses' roles as frontline caregivers during crises (e.g., wars, disasters, pandemics), patient advocates, and leaders in quality care, research, and public health education.
- Statistics and Achievements: Notes that nurses are the largest group in the U.S. healthcare workforce (over 4.9 million registered nurses), lead in team-based care models (as per reports from the Institute of Medicine and National Academy of Medicine), and contribute to better patient outcomes, reduced complications, and cost savings through adequate staffing.
- Calls for Improvement: Stresses the need for stronger nursing workforce development, including more doctorally prepared faculty and research scientists to create innovative care models. It also recognizes nurses' influence across all life stages and their ranking as the most honest and ethical profession in the U.S.
- Resolved Actions:
- Supports the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week.
- Recognizes nurses' significant contributions to the U.S. healthcare system.
- Encourages Americans to observe the week with ceremonies, activities, and programs to honor nurses' impact on patients' lives.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It serves as a symbolic statement of support rather than enforceable legislation.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens and Patients: Increases public awareness of nurses' roles, potentially boosting appreciation and support for the profession, which could indirectly improve healthcare access and community health education.
- On Government Agencies: May influence future funding or policy discussions related to nursing workforce development (e.g., through committees like Energy and Commerce), but has no direct mandates or budgetary effects.
- On International Relations: None; the resolution is focused entirely on domestic U.S. healthcare and nursing.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Nurses and Healthcare Professionals: Primary beneficiaries, as the resolution honors their work and advocates for better education, retention, and research opportunities.
- Patients and the Public: Indirectly affected through recognition of nurses' advocacy, care provision, and public health promotion efforts.
- Legislators and Policymakers: Encouraged to collaborate with nurses on improving healthcare policies, education, and safety.
- Nursing Organizations: Such as the American Nurses Association, which founded the observance and is explicitly referenced.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple house resolution, it has no legal force and does not require Senate approval or presidential signature; it is purely expressive.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's broad authority under Article I to recognize national observances and promote public welfare, without infringing on individual rights.
- Political: Reinforces bipartisan support for healthcare workers (introduced by members from both parties), potentially fostering goodwill in health policy debates. It highlights ongoing needs like workforce shortages, which could inform future binding legislation, but remains non-partisan and symbolic in nature.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Joyce, David P. [R-OH-14]
Cosponsors (3)
Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1], Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2], Rep. Underwood, Lauren [D-IL-14]
Recent Actions
- 2025-05-06: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-05-06: Submitted in House
- 2025-05-06: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Supporting the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week, to be observed from May 6 through May 12, 2025. — issued 2025-05-06 — PDF (3 pages)