Senator Collins Urges Department Of Homeland Security To Extend Certification Deadline For Canadian Nurses

WASHINGTON, DC—U.S. Senator Susan Collins today urged the Department of Homeland Security to extend the deadline by which foreign nurses must secure a healthcare worker certification, pointing out that, due to delays in processing certifications, the deadline will greatly exacerbate the shortage of nurses in Maine and nationwide. Under current U.S. law, foreign nurses are required to secure a healthcare worker certification on or before July 25, 2004.

In a letter sent today to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Eduardo Aguirre, Senator Collins wrote, "In light of reported delays in the processing of applications for the healthcare worker certification, it is clear that more time is needed for the screening process to be completed."

Senator Collins pointed out that "in northern and eastern Maine, many hospitals, visiting nurse organizations, and nursing homes employ numerous dedicated Canadian registered nurses, many of whom bring with them years of valuable 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.

"If theses problems are not resolved in a timely manner, and if these nurses are not permitted to extend their visas and to retain the ability to commute to and from work each day while the screening process proceeds, these hospitals and the areas they serve will be facing a healthcare crisis," Senator Collins wrote. "It is therefore vital that the July 25 certification deadline be extended, and that Canadian nurses be permitted to continue commuting to and from the United States each day."

One hospital, for example, reports that 75% of its nurse supervisors and 33% of its nurse managers currently have applications pending at CGFNS. "Without timely approval of those applications, hospital administrators fear that they will have to close their doors on July 26 because the hospital simply cannot operate without nursing supervisors," Senator Collins wrote.

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. # # #