A JOINT RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION TO STUDY THE NURSING SHORTAGE.
Whereas, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) revealed that between 1983 and 1998 the average age of working Registered Nurses increased by 4.5 years to 41.9; and
Whereas, the JAMA study indicated that 35% fewer full‑time Registered Nurses are observed today when compared to similar age groups of Registered Nurses entering the workforce 20 years ago; and
Whereas, according to the JAMA study, within 10 years, 40% of working Registered Nurses will be 50 years or older and, as those nurses retire, the supply of working Registered Nurses is projected to be 20% below requirements by the year 2020; and
Whereas, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that jobs for Registered Nurses will grow 23% by 2008; and
Whereas, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, RN enrollments in schools of nursing are down, and in the fall of 2000, entry‑level BSN enrollment fell by 2.1%, dropping for the sixth year in a row; and
Whereas, physician respondents in a recent survey by the Harvard School of Public Health indicated that among the leading causes of medical errors are a shortage of nurses; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:
SECTION 1.  The Legislative Research Commission may study the reasons for the nursing shortage and the impact the shortage has on quality of health care in this State.  The study may include recommendations to increase the supply of nurses, school nurses, nursing program faculty, and the amount of funds needed in the Nursing Scholars Program to reduce the nursing shortage.  In conducting the study, the Commission shall consult with representatives of the following: North Carolina Community Colleges, the North Carolina Hospital Association, the North Carolina Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Program, the North Carolina Nurses Association, the North Carolina Institute of Medicine Task Force on the North Carolina Nursing Workforce, the North Carolina Center for Nursing, the North Carolina Board of Nursing, the North Carolina Associate Degree Nursing Council, and any other related organizations.
SECTION 2.  The Legislative Research Commission may make an interim report to the 2003 General Assembly, 2004 Regular Session, and shall make its final report to the 2005 General Assembly.
SECTION 3.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.