Right of Conscience Goes to Senate Hospital Leaders Share Concerns with Rep. As the number of bills that will be viable in the legislative process shrinks, IHHA-initiated bills continue to move forward. The winnowing process picks up steam this week, as the Apr. 6 deadline for passing legislation out of the house of origin approaches. IHHA continues to discuss this legislation with the Illinois State Medical Society in hopes of negotiating an agreed bill that can be enacted into law this year. It includes an IHHA-initiated provision allowing RNs, Advance Practice Nurses, and physician assistants to order restraint and seclusion in hospitals.
Discussions continue among interested parties to clarify the sponsor s intent.
Another rape victim bill opposed by IHHA is on the floor of the House. Rep. Kirk, a member of the House Budget Committee, participated in a spirited informal conversation on issues such as Medicare reimbursement, workforce shortages, and the problem of the uninsured. The clearinghouse is based on results of a recent IHHA survey, which asked about union activity among physicians, residents and interns, registered nurses, and other professional and nonprofessional hospital staff. IHHA also maintains a contact list of member facilities willing to share their union experiences with other members. The blue-ribbon panel is charged with identifying strategies to increase recruitment, retention, and development of qualified caregivers and support staff in hospitals.