Masschusetts Nurse | April 2000

"Blue Ribbon Commission" taps expertise of more than 95 MNA members
By Michael D'Intinosanto, Chair Congress on Health Policy and Legislation and Stacey Ober, Associate Director, Department of Legislation and Government Affairs

More than 95 MNA members discussed pressing issues in nursing practice and patient care as the Congress on Health Policy and Legislation hosted the second "Blue Ribbon Commission," a project of the Statewide Campaign for Safe Care. Members grouped together to design potential legislative solutions to the concerns they expressed. 

This historic event on Feb. 10 brought together members from all areas of the state, and all areas of practice. There were representatives from student nurses, staff nurses, academicians, nurse administrators, advanced practice nurses and researchers. Nurses also practice with every patient population including those who cared for children as well as elders. 

The "brainstorming issues" were hosted and facilitated by members of the Congress on Health Policy and Legislation including Anne Brady, Michael D'Intinosanto, Roseanna DeMarco, Ann Eldridge and Barbara Farrell. Many issues of concerns were highlighted and included:

• Workplace safety/ workplace violence. 

• Erosion of nursing department and the chain of command 

• Staffing issues – including true clinical competence; floating and speed up; inadequate staffing; laying off clinical specialists; mandatory overtime; workplace injuries 

• Patient quality of care - unlicensed people to administer medications and to perform nursing without a license; patient rights/ethics/confidentiality

• Advanced Practice 

• Economics 

• Nursing shortage 

• Lack of control – of professional practice at the individual and professional organizational levels

• Low morale

• Trickle down effect/access issue - including standards and legal implications; societal expectations of what nurses can actually provide.

• Professional practice issues 

• Communications 

• Education/continuing education

• Impact on the public 

Each of these topics generated in depth discussion about the causes and symptoms of each of these areas of concern.The two groups designed 56 different legislative proposals for consideration by the Congress! Not only is this impressive, it is exciting. The growth in the membership's understanding of the role and impact of public policy and politics on professional practice and workplace concerns is amazing. Just four years ago, when the Congress hosted the first "Blue Ribbon Commission," a dozen members participated. The growth in comprehension and participation has been exponential.

The Commission will meet two more times, to develop strategies to combine these new ideas with the current MNA Legislative Agenda. The second opportunity for any interested member is April 24, from 4-6 p.m., at MNA headquarters in Canton.

The Congress will analyze all the ideas as well, and compile a suggestion for the MNA Board of Directors related to the legislation the MNA will file in the next session. This process embodies the true spirit of MNA2000 as every member and every structural unit has a vital part in helping to construct the policy agenda for nurses, patients and the health care delivery system. The Congress and the department thank each and every participant for their contribution. 

If you have any comments, please e-mail them to: Michael D'Intinosanto, chair, at dintokeith@net1plus.com or Stacey Ober, associate director, at sober@mnarn.org

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