WASHINGTON, DC—The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today informed U.SSenator Susan Collins that it has agreed to her request to extend the deadline by which Canadian nurses must secure a healthcare worker certification. In a recent letter, Senator Collins had warned DHS that unless the deadline were extended, delays in processing certifications would greatly exacerbate the shortage of nurses in Maine and nationwide. Prior to Senator Collins' request, Canadian nurses were required to secure a healthcare worker certification on or before July 25, 2004. That deadline has now been extended by one year for healthcare workers from Canada and Mexico who were employed in the U.S. before September 23, 2003 and who held a valid license from a U.S. jurisdiction. "This is very welcome news for Maine," said Senator Collins. "Without an extension, many of the Canadian nurses' certifications would not have been processed in time, thus jeopardizing the ability of some Maine hospitals, nursing homes, and home healthcare agencies to care for their patients. "Extending the deadline has averted a potential healthcare crisis in several Maine communities, particularly those on the U.S.-Canadian border like Fort Kent and Calais. Senator Collins pointed out that in northern and eastern Maine, many hospitals, visiting nurse organizations, and nursing homes employ numerous Canadian registered nurses, many of whom have years of experience. In these areas, most Canadian nurses possess multiple entry visas that permit them to commute to work each day from their homes in Canada. Although hospitals in Maine have been working to secure the requisite healthcare worker certification from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS), many hospitals have experienced a wide array of difficulties with the screening process. One hospital, for example, reported that 75% of its nurse supervisors and 33% of its nurse managers currently have applications pending at CGFNS.
Senator Collins has long been concerned about the nationwide nursing shortage. Last year, Senator Collins worked successfully to increase funding for the Nurse Reinvestment Act, legislation that she authored to offer financial assistance for men and women to cover the costs of nursing education and training. The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee, chaired by Senator Collins, has jurisdiction over the DHS. # # #