ELKRIDGE, Md., April 7, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Nearly 100 forensic nurses from across North America gathered on Capitol Hill on April 4, 2017 to discuss key issues related to the health and recovery of patients who have experienced violence and trauma.
Forensic nurses are an essential component of healthcare's response to violence and trauma, yet less than 14% of U.S. hospitals have a forensic nurse on staff. Concerned about access to care, the International Association of Forensic Nurses' (IAFN) legislative priorities this year include funding for vital programs such as the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), the Justice for All Act and efforts that address the broad healthcare needs of patients who've experienced sexual assault on campus.
Additionally, IAFN urges Congress to raise funding to address nursing workforce and research, nursing education, and prevention efforts within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Each of these legislative measures plays a vital role in creating access to specialized healthcare for all patients that have experienced violence and trauma.
"It is unacceptable that even one patient is turned away from services because facilities lack the training, resources and support they need." said Liz Louden, IAFN President. Congressional offices have been responsive to conversations and IAFN hopes these meetings are the start of continued dialogue around these issues. If you would like to get involved, please visit our website at www.forensicnurses.org and follow us on Twitter @forensicnurses and Facebook.com/ForensicNurses.
The International Association of Forensic Nurses is a professional organization of nurses who provide specialized healthcare for patients impacted by violence and trauma. We establish and provide standards of practice and education for forensic nurses. Our members have the knowledge and expertise to decrease the healthcare consequences of violence, improve patient recovery and lower healthcare costs.
Advertisement
Forensic nurses are an essential component of healthcare's response to violence and trauma, yet less than 14% of U.S. hospitals have a forensic nurse on staff. Concerned about access to care, the International Association of Forensic Nurses' (IAFN) legislative priorities this year include funding for vital programs such as the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), the Justice for All Act and efforts that address the broad healthcare needs of patients who've experienced sexual assault on campus.
Advertisement
Additionally, IAFN urges Congress to raise funding to address nursing workforce and research, nursing education, and prevention efforts within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Each of these legislative measures plays a vital role in creating access to specialized healthcare for all patients that have experienced violence and trauma.
"It is unacceptable that even one patient is turned away from services because facilities lack the training, resources and support they need." said Liz Louden, IAFN President. Congressional offices have been responsive to conversations and IAFN hopes these meetings are the start of continued dialogue around these issues. If you would like to get involved, please visit our website at www.forensicnurses.org and follow us on Twitter @forensicnurses and Facebook.com/ForensicNurses.
The International Association of Forensic Nurses is a professional organization of nurses who provide specialized healthcare for patients impacted by violence and trauma. We establish and provide standards of practice and education for forensic nurses. Our members have the knowledge and expertise to decrease the healthcare consequences of violence, improve patient recovery and lower healthcare costs.
To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/forensic-nurses-on-the-hill-to-communicate-pressing-needs-for-patients-300436622.html
SOURCE International Association of Forensic Nurses
