Bill Establishing PA Chief Nursing Officer Approved by State Senate

HARRISBURG, PA — A bill that would establish the position of chief nursing officer in the state has cleared the Pennsylvania Senate.

The measure, Senate Bill 848, was first introduced by State Sen. Bob Mensch, a Montgomery County Republican, back in the spring of 2021.

The senator's office announced that the bill had won the approval of the chamber this week during a floor vote.

"Registered nurses play a crucial role in the delivery of health care access across the commonwealth," Mensch said in a statement. "They are the largest professional group in Pennsylvania, yet lack adequate representation in policy decision-making in Harrisburg."

Mensch said his bill would establish the Office of Chief Nursing Officer, which would be modeled after the role, and confirmation process, of the state's physician general.

The position would come with the following duties:

• Advise the Pennsylvania governor and secretary of health on various matters
• Take part in the Department of Health's decision-making process on policies relating to nursing and public health
• Review nursing and public health professional standards
• Consult with nursing and public health experts on matters falling under the jurisdiction of the Department of Health
• Providing nursing and public health advice to the health secretary and other executive branch agencies
• Coordinate educational, informational and other programming to help promote wellness, public health and nursing issues
• Consult with experts relating to nursing and public health issues important to the Keystone State
• Serve as a voting member of the State Board of Nursing

"It is long overdue that the General Assembly and governor include registered nurses and other members of the health delivery team in health policy decisions," Mensch said in his statement. "I believe this legislation is an important step in improving outcomes in Pennsylvania health care."

The bill now makes its way to the state House of Representatives for consideration.

Legislative records show that the measure was sent on Tuesday to that body's Health Committee.