This is a crazy week in the State Capitol as tomorrow is the deadline to get bills passed and to the governor’s desk. While many of the bills considered each year are either silly or simply written to correct a mistake created by previous bill, there is one piece of legislation that I’m hoping makes it to Gov. Schwarzenegger. But it is a long shot.

 

AB 378 (Hagman) would clarify what constitutes continuing education for registered nurses. While it seems like this would fall into the “do we really need a bill?” category, the answer is, “unfortunately, yes.” Just look to the political games the California Nurses Association plays (in the name of “patient care”) and you’ll understand why.

Recently, lawmakers were alerted to CNA representatives promising continuing education credits to nurses who participated in political events. While nothing the CNA does anymore is shocking, this is a particular low. 

 

In order to renew their state license, California requires nurses to complete 30 hours of continuing education course every two year.   According to the code, the classes can be in a variety of forms—lectures, conferences, in-service education, etc. But the continuing education is meant to “enhance the knowledge of the registered nurse in the practice of nursing in direct and indirect patient care.”

 

As technology, pharmaceuticals, patient care practices and other elements of nursing change at a rapid pace, we patients should be grateful that nurses are required to continue their education throughout their career. On a personal note, my mom, a registered nurse for 50 years, looked forward to those classes, recognizing the need to continue to stay sharp and on top of her skills. 

 

But should nurses—or any licensed professional—gain continuing education credits for political activity? Clearly, the answer is no. 

 

Nurses, like any of us, have the freedom to express and advocate for their own political viewpoints. But they should not be granted any continuing education credits for attending political events. Campaign rallies, walking precincts or attending classes that promote labor organizing, lobbying, or political advocacy do not teach nurses about new nursing techniques, new medicines or new patient care approaches.

 

AB 378 deserves to be passed out of the legislature, but I’m sure, given the hold that organized labor has on the California Democratic Party, that the majority party will do what it can to stop the proposed law. But maybe even they will be offended by CNA’s arrogance. In the name of patient care, the legislature should pass AB 378 and the governor should sign it into law.