Nurses Oppose Proposed Change in Licensure Authority

Written by Georgia Nurses Association

This week, Senate Bill 445 was introduced by Senator Bill Hamrick (R-Carrollton) on behalf of Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp's office. SB 445 proposes a radical shift in authority away from all 43 professional licensing boards to a newly empowered director and a newly created seven-member consumer licensing board.

Nurses oppose this authority shift because licensure revocation, disciplinary matters and complaints are best regulated by those who are professionally educated to interpret the complexities of the health care professions. Under the proposal, a great deal of authority will be placed in this seven-member consumer board, whose members will not possess the necessary profession-based knowledge.

"The Georgia Nurses Association has given a considerable amount of thought to this proposal, and we agree with current members of the Board of Nursing, who were appointed by the governor, who have stated that 'patient safety and the protection of the public must take precedence over expediency,'" said Debbie Hackman, Chief Executive Officer of the Georgia Nurses Association (GNA).

"GNA appreciates Secretary Kemp's desire to implement further efficiencies to the process of professional licensure in our state. His office has already made vast improvements in the licensing process within the current system," added CEO Hackman.

Senate Bill 445 is scheduled to be discussed in the Senate Regulated Industries Committee on Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. in room 450 of the State Capitol. Pages 430-447 of the 831-page bill focus on changes to the process of registered nurse licensure.

To view SB 445, click HERE or visit http://www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/en-US/InjectSession.aspx?BillType=SB&BillNum=445.

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Founded in 1907, Georgia Nurses Association (GNA) is a full-service professional organization representing Georgia's Registered Nurses. GNA advances the profession through advocating relevant issues, fostering high standards of practice, promoting general wellness in the workplace and educating the public. For more information on association activities, programs and membership, please visit www.georgianurses.org or call 404-325-5536.