Tom Renkes RN, MS, CEO of the Michigan Nurses Association

House of Representatives
Health Policy Committee

Subcommittee on Appropriate Supply and Utilization of Michigan's
Health Care Workforce

August 27, 2001

I'm Tom Renkes RN, MS, CEO of the Michigan Nurses Association. (517-349-5640)

Thank you again for allowing me to present on yet another occasion. I presented several points at your first hearing, and I would like to take a minute to make MNA's final comment on the shortage prior to your sessions beginning in September.

Four elements of the current conditions for nurses have been continually highlighted from visits across the state.

1. Mandatory overtime: while many times a chicken-and-the-egg argument, we have made some progress. The Michigan Board of Nursing unanimously passed a resolution to allow nurses the ability to refuse mandatory overtime and not jeopardize their license. This resolution became stronger with the recent attorney general's opinion falling directly in line. However, nurses are still prone to discipline from their workplace for refusing to work the mandated shifts, and that continues to drive many nurses from the workforce. MANDATORY OVERTIME NEEDS TO STOP.

2. Increased whistleblower protection: more and more states are passing laws enabling all health professionals expanded protection for reporting unsafe conditions. Most recently Oregon, Ohio and New Jersey have agreed to give health care professionals a greater tool in combating difficulties in their practice settings that may create patient harm or disrupt care. You've just heard testimony from a nurse in a position to speak up. Most are not. We cannot allow people to be fearful when safe patient care is paramount. EXPANDED WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION IS NEEDED NOW.

3. Expanded data collection: MNA has worked with the Michigan Health and Safety Coalition and in collaboration with the Michigan Organization of Nurse Executives to engage in a nurse staffing initiative. This initiative collects staffing data related to patient safety indicators. We also encourage continued use of current licensing funds through DCIS for projects such as NurseCareer Link that will collect current workforce data. This data will enable planning and a projection for future nursing needs taking a great deal of pressure off of DCIS staff and resources. PLEASE ASSIST US IN OUR CONTINUED DATA COLLECTION EFFORTS.

4. Return of adequate funding for health care: there is no secret the free market at work would raise salary, benefits and expand workplace recognition of nurses to engage more people into the workforce. We also believe as everyone else does that a review and reinvention of health care bureaucracy and regulation is necessary. However, some of this can't happen as long as revenue streams continue to not keep pace with demand of service by the public. Government payments don't fully compensate hospitals and health care facilities for Medicare and Medicaid patients, nor do they fully recognize the rising costs of labor and technology. A reduction in payments from managed care has occurred over this same time period. A shortage of qualified nurses is a complex problem that cannot be solved by any one group alone. The problem demands a multi-tiered, collaborative approach by all stakeholders to develop effective strategies and solutions to meet the health care needs of tomorrow. PLEASE PROVIDE ADEQUATE FUNDING TO HEALTH CARE VENUES TO MEET PATIENT AND TECHNOLOGY DEMANDS.

We understand there are lots of wants and desires by people that usually end up costing government or taxpayers more money.

• Ending mandatory overtime is no cost to government.
• Expanding whistleblower protection can utilize current reporting streams already at DCIS.
• Expanded data collection can utilize current licensing funds already at DCIS.
• Return of adequate funding will return monies to health care facilities allowing them to hire adequate staff at competitive compensation and benefit rates. This also ends the spiral of dollars spent in other avenues just to recruit people into health care professional positions.

Whatever this Subcommittee and the Health Policy Committee decides, we need action now to bring an end to the current workforce shortage and the increasing shortage that looms on the horizon. Patients need the highest quality care at the best available access, and we at the Michigan Nurses Association believe assistance in the above areas could make that dream come true. Thanks for this opportunity, and as always, we are at your service for assistance as needed.

----- Back to top ---