June 13, 2022 – Vizient recently offered support for three important bills that address healthcare challenges – the Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees (SAVE) Act, the Travel Nursing Agency Transparency Study Act and the Strengthen Kids’ Mental Health Now Act.
First, the SAVE Act would take necessary steps to deter healthcare workplace violence by increasing penalties for individuals who commit acts of intimidation or physical violence that interfere with the ability of hospital staff to perform their vital work. The bill also provides hospitals with additional federal grant resources to support workforce safety and security.
Vizient also endorsed the Travel Nursing Agency Transparency Study Act, which would direct the Comptroller General to study the business practices of travel nurse agencies during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how they impact care delivery and workforce shortages in rural and underserved areas. The bill would require a report to Congress that would provide critical insights into the operations of travel nurse agencies and identify solutions to ensure sustainable healthcare cost and quality.
Lastly, Vizient endorsed the Strengthen Kids’ Mental Health Now Act. The bill is a significant effort to support the mental health needs of children and young adults through enhanced reimbursement and resources for practitioners to help address children’s mental and behavioral health needs, among other benefits.
“Vizient is pleased to see leaders in Congress introduce legislation that supports hospitals and healthcare workers and improves access to mental healthcare for children,” said Shoshana Krilow, senior vice president of public policy and government relations for Vizient. “We thank the bill sponsors for taking these important steps to promote better health outcomes by addressing healthcare workforce safety, examining nurse staffing agency activity and supporting children’s mental health. We are proud to endorse these important bills and urge lawmakers to take action on these issues.”