NMI’s nursing law revised after 23 years

Gov. Juan N. Babauta signed a bill yesterday that regulates the practice of nursing in the Commonwealth.

House Bill 14-7, which became Public Law 14-62, provides a comprehensive revision of the Nurse Practice Act of 1982.

In his transmittal letter to the Legislature, Babauta noted that the legislation in part redefines the duties of the Commonwealth Board of Nurse Examiners regarding the practice of nursing. Specifically, the new law mandates the promulgation of regulations for the licensure of nurses, establishing standards for educational programs preparing students for nursing practice, and prescribing penalties for violations of any provisions of the Nursing Practice Act.

“The administration believes it is of the utmost importance that nurses be fully qualified and competent to provide medical care to the people of the Commonwealth. This measure, by authorizing the establishment of standards for the practice of nursing, will help to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the people of the Commonwealth,” Babauta said.

In a separate statement, Babauta stressed that by providing a licensure process for nurse assistants, the new law recognizes the role played by assistive personnel who provide direct care to patients.

According to Babauta, P.L. 14-62 will “create a new group of healthcare givers whose competence will be certified, who will be ready to handle a more complex patient care process, who will be independent and collaborative in their practice of primary care.”

The bill recognizes six types of nurses: Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse, Graduate Nurse, Certified Technician, Certified Nursing Assistant, and Advanced Practice Registered Nurse.

Further, Babauta said the law is in line with his program to create a more skilled local workforce.

“There are several grants and financial supports available for individuals wanting to enter the healthcare market. So I encourage high school students to try the healthcare career, particularly nursing, which is one of the most challenging, and yet rewarding and well-paying in the whole field of medicine,” he said.

Health officials hailed the signing of the bill.

Public Health Secretary James Hofschneider said the community will ultimately benefit from the move to professionalize the health personnel.

CNMI Board of Nurse Examiners chair Rosa M. Tudela agreed, saying: “It is time that we made revisions to [the 1982] act, as health care practice public preferences, and medical technologies evolve. The regulation of health professions, including nursing, across the United States and its territories is intended to provide safeguards for the public and for the professionals themselves.”