The American Hospital Association Responds to the Nursing Shortage

Abstract

In his February 13, 2001, testimony for the American Hospital Association (AHA) before the Aging Subcommittee of the Senate’s Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, Brandon Melton spoke of the immediate and long-term shortage of health care personnel. AHA notes that hospitals’ ability to respond is limited by the competing pressures between forces increasing costs and decreasing resources. Hospitals contend that “the current nursing shortage is creating an environment with the potential to jeopardize hospitals’ ability to provide timely access to non-emergency, as well as emergency, services.” AHA’s current work-force initiatives include a recently established Commission on Workforce for Hospitals and Health Providers. This commission is charged with a yearlong study of the workforce shortage, including the development of goals and recommendations. The interim recommendations of this commission along with other AHA responses to the nursing shortage are discussed.