Summary#
This bill would add a new part to the Public Health Service Act to create and fund State and regional nursing workforce centers. It authorizes a 2-year pilot program for centers that collect and analyze nursing workforce data, plan strategically with employers and educators, and run programs to recruit, train, and retain nurses. Grants would last 2 years, require some non-Federal matching funds, and give priority to entities that provide statewide services and have nursing workforce expertise. The bill also expands national analysis and technical assistance to support those centers and allows certain HRSA funds to be used for the pilot.
What it means for you#
- State agencies, nursing schools, nursing boards, nonprofit and community groups could apply for grants to set up or strengthen nursing workforce centers.
- Centers could study local nursing supply and education capacity, help schools increase enrollment, support faculty, offer career counseling and mentoring, and prepare nurses for public health crises.
- Employers and nursing programs may get help with workforce planning and access to shared data and best practices.
- The Secretary must try to distribute grants across regions and report annually to Congress about activities and findings.
Expenses#
- Grants under the pilot are 2-year grants. Applicants must provide non-Federal contributions of at least $1 for every $4 of Federal funds received (cash or in-kind).
- The Secretary may use up to $1,500,000 from HRSA workforce initiative appropriations for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to carry out the pilot.
- No publicly available information on total program cost beyond the amounts and rules above.
Proponents' View#
The bill’s text says the purpose is to support and stabilize the existing nursing workforce, increase the number of nurses, improve data collection and standardization, and build public-private partnerships. It frames centers as a way to study workforce gaps, help expand nursing education capacity, and support recruitment, retention, leadership, and preparedness.
Opponents' View#
No publicly available information.