Title: A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of the "International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife", as designated by the World Health Organization.
Policy area: Health

Summary:
This resolution supports the goals of and encourages people to observe the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife, as designated by the World Health Organization. It also recognizes the contributions of nurses and midwives to the U.S. health care system.

[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 500 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

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116th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 500

  Supporting the goals and ideals of the ``International Year of the 
      Nurse and the Midwife'', as designated by the World Health 
                             Organization.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                           February 13, 2020

    Mr. Merkley (for himself, Mr. Wicker, Mr. Jones, and Mr. Wyden) 
submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee 
               on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
  Supporting the goals and ideals of the ``International Year of the 
      Nurse and the Midwife'', as designated by the World Health 
                             Organization.

Whereas the World Health Organization has designated 2020 as the ``International 
        Year of the Nurse and the Midwife'';
Whereas 2020--

    (1) marks the 200th birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of 
modern nursing; and

    (2) is an appropriate time to reflect on the high-quality health care 
that nurses and midwives provide in all settings across the United States;

Whereas, with approximately 4,000,000 registered nurses in the United States and 
        20,700,000 registered nurses worldwide, nurses and midwives--

    (1) represent nearly 50 percent of the global health workforce; and

    (2) comprise the largest component of the health care workforce in many 
countries;

Whereas investing in nurses and midwives provides great value to communities;
Whereas a report of the High-Level Commission on Health Employment and Economic 
        Growth of the United Nations concluded that ``investments in education 
        and job creation in the health and social sectors result in a triple 
        return of improved health outcomes, global health security, and 
        inclusive economic growth'';
Whereas nurses and midwives have contributed to major achievements in global 
        health, including--

    (1) the eradication of smallpox; and

    (2) reductions in maternal and child mortality;

Whereas nurses and midwives are known to be patient advocates, acting to protect 
        the lives of the individuals under their care;
Whereas nurses and midwives, in caring for patients and their families in all 
        stages of life, serve as vital members of the health care workforce who 
        improve patient outcomes and safety;
Whereas better integration of nurses and midwives into health care systems is 
        reducing primary and maternity care provider shortages and improving 
        maternal health outcomes;
Whereas nurses promote healthy lifestyles and educate communities on disease 
        prevention and health promotion;
Whereas nurses and midwives are well-positioned to address and reduce health 
        care disparities that exist in the United States, including with respect 
        to maternal health;
Whereas many nurses are experienced researchers, and the work of nurses 
        encompasses a wide scope of scientific inquiry relating to clinical 
        science, health systems and outcomes, and nursing education;
Whereas nurses provide care that is sensitive to the cultures and customs of 
        individuals across the United States; and
Whereas many nurses can inform and work closely with legislators to improve 
        the--

    (1) recruitment, education, practice, and retention of nurses; and

    (2) health and safety of the patients for whom nurses care in all 
communities, including rural and underserved communities: Now, therefore, 
be it

    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) supports the goals and ideals of the ``International 
        Year of the Nurse and the Midwife'', as designated by the World 
        Health Organization;
            (2) recognizes the significant contributions of nurses and 
        midwives to the health care system in the United States; and
            (3) encourages the people of the United States to observe 
        the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife with 
        appropriate recognition, ceremonies, activities, and programs 
        to demonstrate the importance of nurses and midwives to 
        patients.
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